Full text of "Christian Cynosure"

m5K 



VOL. LIII. 




CHICAGO, MAY, 1920. 



Annual Meeting of National 
Christian Association. 



«£^ ^^ «^ 

New Order of Camels. 
A Union Labor Dream. 

t^ %^ %^ 

Report from Iowa State Con= 
yen tion. Pre sen t Day A ttitude 
Toward the Lodge. 



No. 1. 



^ 




OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAR 



VOL. LIII. No. 1. 



CHICAGO 



MAY, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

Published Monthly by the National Christian 
Association. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 
850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE — Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribe for the Christlaji Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In such cases, if we are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not regu* 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wl 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should be addressed to 
Wm. 1. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 

Bantered as Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 
lit the Post Office at Chicago, III., under Act of 
VIar«a 3, 1879. 



The Knowledge of God, by Rev. Saril- 

pel M. Zwemef , D. D 401 

News of Our Work: 

The Iowa Annual Meeting. Secre- 
tary's Report 402. 

Iowa Treasurer's Report 402 

Iowa Convention Letters 403 

Reasons Why I Oppose the Lodge, by 

Prof. Jacob Heemstra 404 

Freemasonry an Armory of the Anti- 
Christ, by Rev. A. H. Brat 405 

Eastern Secretary's Report, Rev. W. B. 

Stoddard 409 

"Lizzie Woods' Letter," Mrs. L. W. 

Roberson 410 

Southern Agent's Report, Rev. F. J. 

Davidson 411 

Items of Interest from Friends 412 

A Friend to Man, poem 413 

Trusted to Prayer, by W. J. Bennett.. 413 



NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 
Vice-President, Rev. J. H. B. Williams; 

Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. I. 
Phillips. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

PONTFNT^ ^' ^- ^- Doermann, Thomas C. Mc- 

^^^*^ * *^^ * "^ Knight, D. S. Warner, C. A. Blanchard, 

P. A. Kittilsby, H. A. Fischer, Jr., 

Annual Meetin 387 ^^^^^^ Slager, A. H. Leaman, George 

OrdeT of Camds ' '. ". '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. '. '. '. '/. '. '. '. 387 W. Bond, J. H. Hoekstra and H. J. 

'"Industrial Sons of God" — The Eagle Kuiper. 

Magazine 387 

Jap Labor Unions 388 

The American Legion, by Hugh Cork... 388 LECTURERS 

My Union Labor Dream, by Constance 

Nawrocki '. 389 Those desiring lectures or addresses 

A"Sew L:dre-oS'e?"orCa™e,s, Uy A. ''' ^-y write to any of the speakers named 

H. Leaman 301 below : 

A Word for "Antis" — The Christian 
Statesman ....... 392 Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 

Present Day Attitude Toward the Lodge, ^ .. ^, . -,. . . 

by Rev. J. R. Graebner 39.3 Falls Church, Virginia 

Perseverance, poem 397 

Are You Satisfied? Poem by a Traveling Rev. Adam Murrman, Slatington, Pa. 

Man 397 

A Real Man 397 Rev. J. B .Van den Hoek, Hills, Minn. 

Fidelity Rewarded — Moodv Bible Insti- 
tute 398 Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 

Gompers' Complaints ........ 398 j^ ^ Orleans, La. 

Great Distress — Over Masonic Signal... 398 ' ' 

War Risk Insurance, by B. M. Holt 399 ,_ t • • ^ir t. u mit ^u 

Legislation and Government bv J. K. Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 3 II W. 24th 

Howard 400 St., Argenta, Ark. 

The Need of the Hour, bv Mr. Roeer 



There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
aaved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus answerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have I 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 



ANNUAL MEETING 
Of the National Christian Association, June 
10, 1920. 
The annual meeting of the Nation- 
al Christian Association will occur on 
Thursday, June 10th, 1920, at 10 
o'clock a. m., in the Fourteenth Street 
Christian Reformed Church (between 
Throop and Loomis streets), for the 
election of officers and the transaction 
of other important business. 

JOHN F. HEEMSTRA, 

President. 
NORA E. KELLOGG, 

Rec. Secretary. 



Let the reader turn at once to his cal- 
endar and underscore with red ink 
Thursday, June loth, reserving it sacred- 
ly for the N. C. A. Convention. 



While we ardently wish every Cyno- 
sure reader could be present at our An- 
nual gathering, we have every reason to 
believe this is impossible. The best we 
shall be able to do for our constituency is 
to send them faithful reports of our 
meetings. The best service our reader*^ 
at their quiet homes can render us is to 
fervently pray for God's richest bless- 
ing to attend every part of the Conven- 
tion. Pray morning, noon and night — 
yea, pray unceasingly. Pray in your 
closets, pray about your family altars 
and pray in public for the Spirit of 
God to be with us. 



Secrecy in regard to the conditions of 
labor and the accumulations of wealth 
must and will be abolished. The books 
of the great coq^orations and of the 
various labor unions must be open to in- 
spection. What is sauce for the goose is 
sauce for the gander. The common peo- 
ple, who are neither proletarian nor capi- 
talist, have a right to know what goes on 



behind closed doors. Secret societies of 
many kinds are enemies of the republic. 
We are going to get rid of them. — 
Henry Van Dyke, D. D., distinguished 
Author, and Ex-C. S. Ambassador to 
the Netherlands. 



*'The Modern Brotherhood of Ameri- 
ca" is one of the fraternal insurance 
secret orders of which there are a hun- 
dred or more. This one has its Supreme 
Lodge and headquarters in Mason City. 
Iowa. It includes accidental insurance 
as well as life. It was organized in' 
1897. The latest statistics for 1918 
showed insurance in force amounting to 
$69,209,750. Total assets at the same 
tim.e were $3,637,397. 



ORDER OF CAMELS. 

The latest successor of the Elks or the 
Eagles is the Camels. Their hrst public 
■parades were given recently The Chi- 
cago Examiner, of April 9th, 1920, thus 
speaks of the one in Chicago : 

Louis M. Kotecki, grand chief of die Or- 
der of Camels, which organization saNS it 
cannot cross the street without light wine> 
and beers, arrived in Chicago last night and 
was the principal speaker at a meeting at the 
Randolph Hotel. The organization will con- 
duct a parade this morning at 10 o'clock 
from the Coliseum through the loop, dis- 
l)anding at the Atlantic Hotel. 

After a time the Camels will doubtless 
follow the example of their predecessor, 
the Elks, and seek respectability and puh- 
lic sanction by taking into membership 
ministers, and giving candy to children 
on Christmas, and pose as a great and 
benevolent temperance order. 



"INDUSTRIAL SONS OF GOD." 

Declaration by the Fraternal Order of 

Eagles. 

If hy word or deed you own to a belief 

in a Supreme Reing as the ruler of the 

unixerse and the arbiter of human des- 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



tiny, you have a religion. If you are 
moved to the performance of duty by .an 
intimation of the approval or disapprov- 
al of such Supreme Being — the being that 
in English we call God — you are relig- 
ious. An Eagle, by his initiation into 
this Order, which requires an avowal of 
behef in "the existence of a Supreme Be- 
ing, the Ruler of the Universe," has tak- 
en his stand publicly as NOT an athe- 
ist, and it is logical to suppose that he 
stands ready to give the will of God a 
chance in the solution of our economic 
and industrial problems. The following 
editorial makes clear that the time has 
come for religion to take a valiant hold. 
— The Eagle Magazine, March 1920. 



Notwithstanding the attitude of the 
National Reform Association toward 
secret societies, such as Masonry, Odd- 
Fellowship and Knights of Pythias, it is 
to be commended and supported for its 
warning against the Mormon lodge and 
paganism. The following from The 
Christian Statesman, organ of the N. R. 
A., has a wide application : 

We believe that every silence of the 
Christian church or college in Mormon- 
dom concerning the blasphemy and crime 
of Mormonism, is in some degree re- 
sponsible for the inroads which Mormon- 
ism makes into the Christian churches 
and colleges outside the ''Mormon 
world." 



''Mormonism is a gigantic secret order, 
in which the mass of adults are bound 
to one another, to the system and to its 
leaders by terrible oaths with death pen- 
alties — a fact which affords every 
chance for underhanded, Jesuitical in- 
fluence and control, political and other- 
wise. These oaths have been testified 
to again and again during the last fiftv 
years, so that their existence and char- 
acter are beyond question." 



JAP LABOR UNIONS. 
Must Obey "the Proper Authorities." 

{By Associated Press..) 
TOKIO, April 12. — Government ap- 
proval of the organization of labor 
unions would be given for the first time 
in Japan under a new bill drawn up by 
the department of commerce for submis- 
sion tn the nresent 'session of the diet. 



regulate, restrict and to a certain extent, 
otherwise control the operations of the 
unions which might be organized under 
the proposed law. One of the regula- 
tions which has aroused criticism pro- 
vides that when a union or any craft or 
trade adopts a resolution that runs coun- 
ter to law or is considered to be detri- 
mental to public interest or fails to per- 
form what is required of it by the ad- 
ministrative authorities, these authorities 
may cancel the resolution or dissolve the 
union. 

Unions of various trades would be 
permitted to form a federation of unions 
only provided its rules and regulations 
were submitted and approved by "the 
proper authorities." 

Heretofore, Japanese workmen have 
mostly been organized in guilds, al- 
though an Associated Labor union was 
in existence in Tokio nearly a year ago. 
Supporters of the proposed law say the 
government must take the place of the 
old guild masters and advise and re- 
strain the workmen until they shall have 
gained experience in the operations of 
their unions. 



THE AMERICAN LEGION. 

RY HUGH COOK. 

Moody Bible Institute, Chicago. 
It is very natural that the soldiers in 
any war having suffered together feel 
the need of some tie which binds them 
and their common experiences. It was, 
therefore, not surprising that our boys 
who were in the world war should want 
some fraternal tie by which medium 
they could preserve the memories :^nd 
incidents of their association in the 
world conflict. 

This was true of the ninety ex-sol- 
diers and sailors who are now students 
of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago. 
They petitioned the faculty of the in- 
stitute for permission to organize a 
''post" of the "American Legion," a non- 
secret, non-military, non-political and 
non-sectarian organization whose na 
tional, state and local post preamble 
reads as follows : 

For God and Country, we associate our- 
selves together for the following purposes: 

To uphold and defend the Constitution of 
the United States of America; to maintain 
law and order ; to foster and perpetuate a 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



sociation in the Great War; to inculcate a 
sense of individual obligation to the commu- 
nity, state and nation ; to combat the autoc- 
racy of l)Oth classes and the masses; to make 
right the master of might; to promote peace 
and good will on earth ; to safeguard and 
transmit to posterity the principles of jus- 
tice, freedom and democracy ; to consecrate 
and sanctify our comradeship by our devo- 
tion to mutual helpfulness. 

The Legion has no purposes, policies or 
activities which are not covered by this Pre- 
amble. 

Upon investigation it was found tha; 
the constitution and by-law? . of each 
Post is written by the members of the 
Post, and since the Preamble statement 
was in line in spirit and practice with 
the teaching and work of the Instimtc 
and further since each local Post does 
not indorse any statement of another 
Post except the Preamble, as stated 
above, the Institute faculty gave 'ts 
unanimous consent and appointed a com- 
mittee to advise w^ith the boys as to their 
organization and its activities 

The "Aloody Post No. 562" now has 
nearly seventy members and their con- 
stitution forbids any activities inconsis- 
tent with the spirit and teaching of the 
Institute. 

The Post officers are already [)lanning 
some religious meetings with the w^ound- 
ed men at Fort Sheridan. This Post 
will enable Moody students to belong to 
the National Body and at the same time 
keep their membership where their con- 
victions w^ill not be compromised. Even 
when the student leaves the Institute he 
may leave his membership here where 
he can endorse every word of the declar- 
ations of his Post while he bears his tes- 
timony elsewhere, as a Post member, as 
well as a Christian. 

There is no provision in the National, 
or State Constitutions for secrecy, oaths 
or initiations. The Post as a moral and 
spiritual force depends entirely upon t]"ie 
character of its members. Members can 
not meet the requirements of ''God and 
Country" in full, even as far as indi 
cated in the Preamble, without following 
in the footsteps of Him, at whose com- 
ing, tlie angels sang "Peace on earth — 
eood will to men.' 



MY UNION LABOR DREAM. 



^NFany have withstood the frowns of 
the world, but its smiles and caresses 
have hugged them to death. — Selected, 



BY CONSTxXNCE XAWROCKI, 

A School Girl, 

SILVER LAKE, ILLINOIS. 

I have read so much lately about the 
demands of certain branches of lai)or 
and certain union organizations that 
labor troubles must have taken quite a 
hold upon my system for in no other 
way can I account for the exceedingly 
silly dream that was mine a few nights 
ago. 

I can't remember just how the trouble 
started but I soon realized that I was in 
one awful fix, for every member of my 
anatomy was in revolt, each refusing to 
do its proper function unless immediate 
concessions were made to its every de- 
mand. 

About the first I can recall of the mix- 
up was when the hands refused to do 
any work, both of these useful members 
insisting that they were the ones whose 
labors made it possible for me to draw 
my salary, and that unless they were 
better cared for they were going to 
strike. In the first place, they demanded 
the new union six-hour day, and the 
latest fad of the miners, a five-day week. 
Then they insisted on being regularly 
manicin-ed and furnished with a new 
outfit of gloves of the different weight, 
style and texture that others furnish 
their hands. 

Just as I had this matter settled by 
agreeing to all these demands, as I could 
not do much without hands, a demand 
came from die stomach. This important 
o'rgan of my body insisted that it had 
not been provided with plenty of well- 
cooked food on account of the high cost 
of living and that it could not do satis- 
factory work unless this was promised. 
Again I promised to meet new demands. 

Just at this moment, the feet demand- 
ed a conference, setting forth the fact 
that thev were the ones who supported 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



the whole body and were its foundation. 
Indeed, they make it possible for me to 
cover the great amount of ground that is 
necessary to be covered in all my move- 
ments. They were getting very tired of 
being forced to wear the same cotton 
stockings and plain, common shoes, while 
other feet that did no more work than 
they were clad in silk hose and the finest 
French kid boots. Of course, there was 
no use to dispute these facts, so 1 
promised to carry out their wishes. 

Thereupon, the teeth, tongue, eyes and 
such other parts of my anatomy all set 
up a clamor, demanding their wishes in 
the same way and I had to comply, but 
the greatest blow- came when the brain 
went on the strike. It started out by 
admitting that each and every member 
present had very important missions to 
fill in the daily grind of my toil and said 
that it was perfectly proper that each of 
them should be given fair treatment. 

The spokesman of the minor powers 
now took the floor and stated that the 
smaller members of the body would have 
nothing to do with the brain, as it was a 
capitalistic combination and had no part 
in the real labor that the body performed 
and that they would not endorse but 
were most emphatically opposed to the 
expenditure of any more of my salary 
for the upkeep, development or the 
recreation of the brain. I was given 
just five minutes to decide what I should 
do in the matter. 

Fortunately, I was never called upon 
to choose, for just about the time the 
decision w^as due I received a jolt in the 
short ribs that thoroughly awakened me, 
and it was a relief when I heard the 
voice of my dear mother saying, "Con- 
stance, w^hat in the name of common 
sense is the matter with you?" 

Of course, it was a silly dream and 
yet the more I thought about it, the more 



on these days in many of our great in- 
dustrial institutions and several branch- 
es of labor. 



ANCIENT ORDER OF GLEANERS. 

Owing to many inquiries from friends 
regarding this Order, we find it necessary 
to reprint part of the Gleaners' ritual as 
it appeared in several numbers of the 
Christian Cynosure in 1905 and 1906. 

The x\ncient Order of Gleaners is a 
secret insurance order. Among its ob- 
jects is to give material and moral aid 
to its members. If a member fails in the 
payment of an assessment within thirty 
days after it is levied, he stands "sus- 
pended from all the rights and benefits 
of a benefit member in the order." 

The Gleaners commenced business as 
an order on October 19, 1894. Its head- 
quarters are in Detroit, Mich. Special 
features : It accepts only farmers and 
those engaged in kindred occupations as 
members. Men and women are admit- 
ted on equal terms. Its total assets on 
January i, 1918, were $1,151,467.88 and 
the total amount of insurance in force 
on the same date was $56,468,876. 

From the Secret Ritual of the Gleaners. 

Pass Word. — The pass word must not 
be communicated by one companion to 
another. The Chief Gleaner is the only 
officer authorized to give it. '•' ''' "'' 

Chief Gleaner : Companion Chaplain, 
your duties? 

Chaplain : To see that the Sacred Vol- 
ume is upon the altar; to open the same 
when the Chief Gleaner declares the 
Arbor open for the regular dispatch of 
business and to close the same when our 
labors are concluded. '•' " ''' 

Chief Gleaner: In this spirit I shall 
endeavor so to preside. That our labor 
may be successful, let us ask a divine 
blessing from the Lord of the harvest. 

Note. — The Chief Gleaner gives three 
raps calling members and officers to 
their feet. 

Chaplain: Merciful and beneficent 
Ruler of the universe, we halt in the 
midst of our life-work, crowded as it is 
with the duties we owe to ourselves and 
those dependent upon us, and humbly 
acknowledging that Thou art the source 
of every good and perfect gift, we do 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



when death's harvest overtakes us we 
may be hkened to th6 golden grain ready 
for the sickle, having lived a life so pure 
and noble that z^'e may be gathered in 
the garner zvith the perfect seeds of Thy 
harvest. 

Obligation of First Degree. 

I solemnly promise upon my honor 
that no part of the working of this order, 
so far as now disclosed to me, shall ever 
be communicated by me, directly or in- 
directly, to any person unless lawfully 
entitled to such information; that I will 
cherish the lesson here given and strive 
to apply its principle in all my life. 
Obligation of Second Degree. 

I, , in the presence of the Su- 
preme Ruler of the universe and the 
members of this Arbor, do solemnly 
promise that I will receive and keep un- 
revealed the secret work and words of 
this order. That I will obey the Con- 
stitution of the State and Supreme 
Arbors and the By-laws of the Arbor of 
which I shall become a member. That 
T will cheerfully comply with its require- 
ments and ever stand ready to assist a 
\vorthy companion in distress. '^ * * 
Chaplain's Lecture. 

This degree work and the teachings 
thereof are founded upon the Scriptural 
account of Ruth. Naomi and Boaz, from 
whose noble characters the principles of 
this illustrious order have emanated. 
The Gleaners' Burial Service. 

The prayer of the Chaplain follows : 

"Our Father and our God, who art 
the resurrection and the life, we would 
implore Thee to draw graciously near to 
us in our affliction. ]\Iay this dispensa- 
tion of Thy providence deeply impress 
us with the uncertainty of life, and may 
it prepare us for the great change that 
awaits all mankind. Comfort them that 
mourn ; be Thou their shield and pro- 
tector. Guide our feet into ])aths of 
truth, virtue and loyalty, and finally per- 
mit us to enter within the portals of that 
house not made with hands, eternal in 
the heavens, there to magnify Thv 
gracious bounty and dwell forevermore. 
Amen I 



Let us follow the straight road of the 
Word. It does not concern us what the 
Fathers have done, but what they should 
have done. — Latimer. 



A NEW LODGE. 

Order of Camels. 

Our readers will be interested to learn 
that a new lodge has recently been or- 
ganized for the express purpose of de- 
feating the prohibition forces of this 
country. It was organized the day the 
prohibition amendment of this country 
went into effect at the Capitol. The 
members of this new organization call 
themselves "Camels" and many of them 
know very little more than that animal 
about the religion of Jesus Christ and 
His power to save. This is what they 
say: 

"The camel was selected as the name 
and insignia of the order because of the 
ability of the animal to withstand a long 
drought. We are living now in a drought 
period and a long desert is to be crossed 
before we reach the final oasis. 

"It was decided that an organization 
was needed which was representative of 
the people of the United States and not 
connected in any way with the liquor in- 
terests or other interests which have 
future benefits in mind. Caravan Num- 
ber One was established in ^lilwaukee, 
Wis., which was considered the most 
liberal oasis in the country before the 
drought. History of the Order of Camels 
therefore dates back to January i6, 1920, 
the day the prohibition amendment be- 
came effective in the United States and 
the day the first caravan was installed. 

"Since that time, the Order of Camels 
has grown rapidly. Fifty caravans were 
quickly established in the state of Wis- 
consin and the organization work is now 
spreading into every nook and corner of 
the United States. The order does not 
include liquor as its sole issue by any 
means — the program of the prohibition- 
ist and fanatic includes cigars, tobacco 
in all its forms, enforcement of blue 
laws, closing of Sunday theaters, bowl- 
ing alleys, poolrooms, billiard halls, and 
in fact encroachments on almost every 
form of personal liberty. 

Facts About the Order. 

"All Subordinate Caravans are under 
the jurisdiction of the Grand Caravan. 
Both the Grand Caravan and subordinate 
caravans are governed by a rigid consti- 
tution and set of by-laws, to which are 
added a list of Grand Caravan rules for 



8 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



the guidance of all subordinate caravans. 

"The order does not interfere with any 
person's religious or political beliefs." 
Application for Membership. 

We give the following to show that 
each member takes an obligation and 
that they also solemnly state 'T am op- 
posed to prohibition" : ' 

*T, the undersigned, hereby make ap- 
plication for active, regular membership 
in the Order of Camels, Caravan No. 2, 
of Chicago, 111., and agree to present my- 
self for initiation at the designated hall 
of the order when notified, or if not able 
to be present then, at some later meeting 
within three months from that date. I 
am attaching herewith initiation fee of 
two and one-half dollars ($2.50) and 
agree to pay dues of $2.50 each six 
months during my niembership. I agree 
to abide by the constitution and by-laws 
and obligation of the order and solemnly 
state that i am opposed to prohibition. 
I understand this order is not to inter- 
fere with any of my religious or political 
beliefs. I am .... years of age and a 
citizen of the United States of America." 

B. Y. Hubbard was termed 'Trophet" 
and on his l:)right blue fez was embroid- 
ered a Bible. Have the Camels a burial 
service, as well as a 'Trophet," or will 
the prohibition amendment make one 
unnecessary ? 

Two Millions the Goal. 

"The membership goal is two million 
members on or before July 16, 1920, and 
two millions more before the first anni- 
versary of the order, January 16, 192 1. 
Any male citizen of the United States 
of the age of 21 years and over is eligible 
to join, if properly vouched for by a 
deputy organizer or some other member 
in good standing. 

"A ladies' auxiliary will be organized 
beginning June 16." 

A Warning. 

Governor Edwards of New Jersey en- 
dorses this new secret society and is 
planning to go to the National Demo- 
cratic Convention in California as a dele- 
gate at large from his state. His chief 
endeavor will be to get a liberal liquor 
plank in the platform and he is for 
launching a fight to repeal the prohibi- 
tion amendment. He can depend upon 



heed the warning of Ex-president U. S. 
Grant, who said in his autobiography: 

''AH secret, oathbound political parties 
are dangerous to any nation, no matter 
how pure or how patriotic the motives 
and principles which first bring them 
together." 

Let the Church of Jesus Christ take 
warning not to be drawn by a camel into 
their desert of despair, but let us raise 
our voice against these caravans of sin 
and darkness and fight the good fight of 
faith. If we are true to Christ he will 
continue to lead us beside the still waters 
of temperance and our souls shall be 
satisfied in Him. 

A. H. Leaman. 



A WORD FOR "ANTIS." 

It has become the fashion — more to 
be honored in the breach tnan the ob- 
servance — to sneer at the "Antis ;" to 
make ridicule of any organization which 
has "anti-" as a part of its title ; and to 
dismiss with scofiing smiles any meas- 
ure of reform if it is called "anti-" any- 
thing. 

Christian zealots, social regenerators, 
inspired patriots, may well dismiss all 
their fears concerning the use of the 
prefix "anti-." 

There are some causes, necessary and 
glorious, whose character and purpose 
are best described by the prefix ''anti-" ; 
as "anti-slavery," "anti-saloon," "anti- 
cigarette," "anti-polygamy." (Why not 
say anti-secrecy?) The mighty victories 
which have been won under these battle 
standards are already sufficient to sanc- 
tify the word "anti-" for all time. And 
the triumphs have only begun, 

"Anti-evil" is a good rallying cry. No 
one whose pupose is to support right and 
oppose wrong has any need to be sensi- 
tive because he is called an "Anti-." We 
have observed that most persons who 
are most tenaciously anxious to avoid 
the appearance of attacking any evil by 
destructive means, are usually just a 
little too reluctant to oppose evil by any 
means. There is no righfeous work 
which is carried forward without that 
fact — for any work for right must be 
against or "anti-" wrong. And there 
are many cases where the word itself is 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



Present Day Attitude Toward the Lodge 

BY REV. J. P. GRAEBNER, FT. WAYNE, INDIANA. 



[A paper read by Rev. J. R. Graebner, be- 
fore the Convention of the EngHsh District of 
the Synods of Missouri, Ohio, and other 
states, and adopted and pubHshed in the 1919 
Proceedings.] 

When we speak of lodges, secret socie- 
ties, secret orders, we mean societies 
which are generally called by these 
names, and which are permanently or- 
ganized fraternities, the members of 
which, known to each other by secret 
signs of recognition, b.ave at their ini- 
tiation pledged themselves by oaths and 
other solemn obligations to conform.ity 
with the present and future laws of the 
order, and to the maintenance of secrecy- 
concerning all its affairs. In most of 
these societies, members join in stated 
religious rites and exercises conducted 
by religious officers, chaplains, priests, 
etc., according to accepted rituals, or 
books of forms. They claim sociability, 
charity, furtherance in religion and 
morals, some or all of these, and other 
things, as the purpose for their exist- 
ence. To avoid confusion I shall not 
treat of labor unions or so-called patri- 
otic organizations in this paper, whatever 
lodge features or other, objectionable 
features some of them may have, and 
whether they be called lodges, brother- 
hoods, or anything else. 

It is impossible to examine each lodge 
individually. Their n_um])er is too great 
for that, and is growing right along. In 
a brief treatise like this we can onlv 
speak of the institution in general, and 
show,' by pointing out the objectionable 
features of the leading lodges, that the 
institution is contrary to the Word of 
God. The lodges are all more or less 
alike: all have one or more ungodly fea- 
tures in common. IMasonrv mav be ca'< ed 
the mother of lodges, Odd-Fellowship 
the big sister among them, and the others 
the younger children. Since the bad 
features of lodgism are most stroui^^ly 
pronounced in the two oldest lodges, we 
shall let these two ])rincipally show u^ 
what the lodge is, and the \A'ord of God 
will tell us whether it is right or wrong. 
Lodge Secrecy, 

Lodge secrecy is far from being tlie 
main ol)jectionable feature of the UxUve. 



Since, however, it is such a prominent 
feature and a rock of offense to so many, 
we feel that it should not be left unmen- 
tioned. 

Lodges are secret societies. Things 
said and done in their meetings are care- 
fully guarded against becoming known 
to anyone who is not a member of the 
order. Candidates for membership in 
the ]\Iasonic lodge are made to swear as 
follows . 

"I (nanie), of my own free will and ac- 
cord, in the presence of Almighty God and 
this Worshipful Lodge, erected to Him and 
the Holy Saint John, do hereby and hereon 
most solemnly and sincerely promise and 
swear that I will always hail, ever conceal, 
and never reveal any of the secret arts, parts, 
or points of the hidden mysteries of Ancient 
Freemasonry which have been heretofore, 
may at this time, or shall at any future time 
be communicated to me as such, to any per- 
son or persons whomsoever, except it be to 
a true and lawful brother Mason or within 
a regularly constituted Lodge of ]\Iasons, and 
neither unto him nor them until by strict trial, 
due examination, or legal information I shall 
have found him or them as lawfully entitled 
to the same as I am myself. 

"I furthermore promise and swear that I 
will not write, paint, stamp, stain, cut, carve, 
make nor engrave them, nor cause the same 
to be done, upon anything movable or im- 
movable, capable of receiving the least im- 
pression of a word, syllable, "letter, or char- 
acter, whereby the same may become legible 
or intelligible to any person under the can- 
opy of heaven, and the secrets of Freema- 
sonry be hereby unlawfully obtained through 
my unworthiness. 

"To all of this I most solemnlv and sin- 
cerely promise and swear, with a tirm and 
steadfast resolution to keep and. perform the 
same without any equivocat'on. mental res- 
ervation, or secret evasion of mind whatever, 
bmdmg myself under no less a penalty than 
that of having my throat cut across, my 
tongue torn out bv its roots and buried in 
the rough sands of the sea at low-water mark, 
where the tide ebl s and flows twice in twenty- 
four hours, should I ever knowinglv or wil- 
hngly violate this, my solemn oath," or obli- 
gation as an Entered Apprentice Mason. So 
help me, God, and keep me steadfast in the 
due performance of the same." 

I his oath is taken from e-ich niemb.^r 
in each degree, at the time of initiation, 
and I he i>cnalties for \iolation n-e 
heightened as the Mason .proceeds from 
degree to degree. In the second, or bel- 
low Craft degree, he obligates himself 



10 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



to perpetual secrecy "under no less a 
penalty than of having my left breast 
torn open, my heart plucked out and 
given as a prey to the beasts of the field 
and the fowls of the air." And in the 
third, or ]\Iaster Mason's degree, "under 
no less a penalty than that of having 
my body severed in twain, my bowels 
taken from thence and burned to ashes, 
and the ashes scattered to the four winds 
of heaven, that no trace or remembrance 
may be had of so vile and perjured a 
wretch as I should I ever knowingly vio- 
late this, my solemn obligation, of a Mas- 
ter Mason." These penalties are called 
to mind at every session of the lodge by 
the penal sign, which in the first degree 
consists of a motion of the hand across 
the throat, in the second and third de- 
grees, respectively, in a rapid motion of 
the hand across the chest and a motion 
of the hand over the abdomen. For the 
full text of this pledge see "Fremasonry 
Illustrated," by Jacob (3. Doesburg, Past 
Master of Unity Lodge No. 191, Hol- 
land, Mich., page 106. The extracts of 
the oath given here are quoted also by 
one of our fellow Lutherans, a former 
Mason, whose reliability is unquestioned. 
See ''Treatise on Freemasonry" by Th. 
Graebner, page 21 ff. 

We also quote high Masonic authori- 
ties : "Webb's Alonitor" (Morris) page 
240 : 'Tt is the covenant that makes a 
Mason. Xo law of the land can afifect it. 
Xo. anathema of the Church can weaken 
it." And Mackey, who is recognized by 
the Masonic order as the liighest Ma- 
sonic authority, says : "The disclosure 
of any of the secrets which a Mason 
has promised to conceal and never to 
reveal, is a heinous crime." 

The Masonic Lodge is probably the 
only one requiring such blood-curdling 
oaths as those just quoted ; but all lodges 
require an oath or solemn promise of 
secrecy pertaining to the afifairs of the 
order. 

The First Pledge of an Odd-Fellow. 

"I hereby pledge my sacred honor that I 
will keep secret whatever may transpire dur- 
ing my initiation." As he advances from de- 
gree to degree he takes new obligations of 
secrecy. For example, when he is initiated 
into the Degree of Truth, the Noble Grand 
directs him to put his right hand on his left 



will conceal and never reveal the signs, se- 
crets, and mysteries of this degree, etc," 

In the ritual of the United Order of 
Foresters (page 13) we find the follow- 
ing "solemn obligation of a Forester" : 



'Chief Ranger : Mr. 



befoi 



you can be enrolled as a Forester, it is 
necessary that you give a solemn pledge 
to be true to the principles of the Order 
and to keep inviolate the secrets which- 
may be communicated to you ; for which 
purpose, therefore, I will thank you to 
stand before the altar of Liberty, Benev- 
olence, and Concord, with their rifdit 
hand on your left breast, your left hand 
elevated, and repeat after me the sol- 
emn obligation of a Forester." (Chief 
Ranger gives three raps ; all rise and 
remain standing during obhgation. 
Forester's Obligation. 
"I (name in full), of my own free will 
and accord, in the presence of the Supreme 
Ruler of the Universe and of the members 
of the United Order of Foresters here as- 
sembled, do most solemnly and sincerely 
promise and declare that I will ever conceal 
and never reveal any word, sign, grip, or 
token, or any other secrets or private work 
of the United Order of Foresters, which 
shall now or may hereafter be communicated 
to me, to any one in the world, unless it be 
to a brother Forester, I knowing him to be 
such, by due examination, or upon the word 
of a brother who is known to me, or in the 
body of a regularly constituted court. I will 
not repeat outside of the courtroom any 
transaction whatsoever, which may take 
place therein, which by the regulations of 
the Order should be kept secret, unless I am 
duly authorized so to do by the constituted 
authorities of the Order. I further promise 
that I will not wrong a brother, etc. * * * * 
For the faithful observance of all which I 
hereby pledge my most sacred honor." 

A Good Templar obligation ( the Good 
Templars are a so-called temperance 
lodge) : 

"I also promise that I will not reveal 
any of the private work of this Order 
to any one who is not entitled to know 
the same." 

It is also well known that bills have 
been introduced into Congress and into 
some State Legislatures to prevent criti- 
cism of lodges in public print, and the 
revealing of their secrets. 

Why all this secrecy? Anything that 
is good need not be, and will not be, and 
should not be concealed. "Every one 
that doeth evil hateth the light ; * * * 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



11 



light so shine before men that they may 
see your good works, and glorify your 
Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5: 

Secrecy has the appearance 01 evd, 
and we should "abstain from all appear- 
ance of evil," as the Apostle says in i 
Thess. 5 :22. 
Organized Secrecy Is Not Family Privacy. 

Let us dwell a little more on this point 
that lodge secrecy has the appearance 
of evil. As has been stated, a good thing 
needs no concealment and does not want 
to be hid. One naturally asks: Tf 
lodges are good and do what is right 
and honorable, why don't ^"hey conduct 
their work openly and aboveboard so 
anybody can see it. No legitimate busi- 
ness or undertaking on the face of the 
earth is conducted under the hiding 
cover of oath-bound secrecy. I defy 
anybody to mention a single one. let 
us distinguish between secrecy and pri- 
vacy. A business riian may have a pri- 
vate office, and in that office he may 
have a private conversation. He has 
l^rivate business affairs, — call them bus- 
iness secrets, if you please, — and yet he 
is not doing things in secret. The pub- 
lic knows what business he is in and 
what the things are, in a general way, 
that he keeps secret. If a certain man 
is a shoe merchant, he is publicly known 
to be such ; the public knows that liis 
business consists in buying and selling 
shoes; the public also knows that his 
business secrets, if he has any, pertain 
to his financial affairs, a contemplated 
special sale, terms of partnership, if 
such exists, reasons for dissolving a 
partnership, etc. Professional m^n, 
physicians, lawyers, clergymen, have 
l)rofessional secrets, but the whole 
world knows in a general way what the 
work of their profession is and what the 
nature of their professional secrets is. 
and that they would not be decent, hon- 
est, and reliable if they did not keep 
certain things secret. The same holds 
good with reference to the United 
States Secret Service and police work 
in general. Every child knows what the 
police department is for, and under- 
stands what the nature of a detective'^ 
secret work is. There is, then, a pri- 
vacy or secrecy which is perfectly hon- 
orable, because the welfare of societv 



in general recjuires ii, and which is, in 
one sense, no secrecy at all. 

Perhaps an example will make this 
matter more clear. A leading minister 
of the Congregational Church said : 
"Every family is a secret society." This 
statement is quite frequently made to 
defend lodge-secrecy. If that minister 
were to call at a house and the person 
responding to the door-bell should say. 
"Before you can enter here you mu'^t 
make a solemn promise on your honor." 
the minister would, no doubt, be aston- 
ished. Suppose the caller would sig- 
nify his willingness to take the obliga- 
tion, and the doorkeeper would proceed 
as follows : "Please repeat your name 
and say after me: T hereby promise 
and swear that I will never reveal to 
mortal man anything I shall see or heai 
in this house, and I bind myself to thi^ 
promise under no less penalty than thai 
of having my throat cut across and my 
tongue torn out, so help me God,' " wh.at 
would be the minister's suspicion by this 
time. He would probably think that 
house was a murderer's, or at least a 
thief's, or a counterfeiter's den. If he 
were himself an honest man, he wouM 
very likely say he did not care to enter 
any house on those terms, and walk 
away. 

There are two sorts of families, tho^e 
in which love and order and integritv 
reign, and those in which vice and crime 
are common. The Bender family in 
Kansas was one of the latter. The cus- 
tom of that family was to murder 
strangers passing by, bury their bodies 
in the yard, and appropriate their ef- 
fects. This family was a secret order : 
but a family which has no shame or 
crime to hide is not a secret society, and 
such a family does not hesitate to admit 
guests, even strangers, without any 
pledge of concealment. 

To make this point still more clear, let 
us consider the state of mind in which 
a man in his room, in private, as de- 
cency rec|uires, changes his soiled linen 
for that which is fresh ami clean, anrl 
the state of mind in which a man puts 
on a garment stolen from his neighbor's 
house or store. The one man changes 
his shirt in private, but he is willing that 
the whole world should know what he is 
doing; the suggestion that secrecy would 



12 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



be required is ridiculous. The other 
man wants no one to know what he is 
doing; he is a thief, and conceahnent 
goes hand in hand with crime. 

Dr. A\'alther says in a sermon on Rom. 
12:17-21 (''Epistel-Postihe," page 84): 
In admonishing Christians to hve peace- 
ably with all men, the Apostle enjoins 
one more thing upon them, namely, 'Pro- 
vide things honest in the sight of all 
men.' The Apostle means to say: If 
you Christians desire to live peaceably 
with all men, it is necessary that you 
not only walk honestly before God, but 
that you walk honestly also in the sight 
of all men; you must strive to live so 
that your actions will not only be ap- 
proved by your own conscience, but th?it 
they will have no appearance of evil in 
the eyes of others ; in short, you must 
let your light so shine before men that 
they may see your good works and glor- 
ify your Father which is in heaven. 

*Tt is therefore a great mistake to 
live according to this principle: If I 
know for my own person that I am do- 
ing right, I don't care about the opinion 
of ethers. Whoever follows this rule 
acts contrary to the admonition : 'Live 
peaceably w^ith all men.' If it is imma- 
terial to a person what others think of 
him ; if a person is satisfied so long as 
he does right, even if others are offended 
and made to stumble by his actions ; if, 
for instance. Christians unite with a se- 
cret society of which no one except the 
members know whether its designs are 
good or evil ; this alone is enough to pre- 
vent true peace and unity of heart 
among men." 

Daniel Webster says in a letter dated 
Loston, Nov. 20, 1835 : ''All secret as- 
sociations, the members of which take 
ur»on themselves extraordinary obliga- 
tions to one another, and are bound to- 
gether by secret oaths, are naturally 
sources of jealousy and just alarm to 
others," 

Wendell Phillips says : "Entering 
upon this study, we remark, first, that 
these organizations are secret. This one 
item is a serious one, — for a secret so- 
ciety in an age like this and in a countrv 



but his words are certainly even more 
applicable to lodges. 

"The very last fact that so much 
in politics is done in the dark, behind 
closed doors, promotes suspicion. 
Everybody knows that corruption 
thrives in secret places, and we believe 
it a fair presumption that secrecy means 
impropriety. * * ''' You know there 
is temptation in loneliness and secrecy 
We are never so proper in our conduct 
as when everybody can look and see ex- 
actly what we are doing. * * '^ The 
best thing that you can do with anything 
that is crooked is to Hft it up where 
people can see that it is crooked, and 
then it will either straighten itself out or 
disappear." — From "The Nezv Free- 
dom,'' by President Woodrozv Wilson. 

Lucius Fairchild very correctly says : 
'Tt is quite natural that secrcet societies 
are looked upon with suspicion." 

Note. — School authorities are decid- 
edly and strongly opposed to secret 
school fraternities and societies because 
they have almost invariably proved to 
be sources of evil practices. Dr. How- 
ard Crosby, at the time Chancellor of 
the University of New York, himself, 
while in college, a fraternity man. said 
in the Boston Congregationalist : 'T ob- 
ject to secret societies in our colleges be- 
cause of the opportunity given by se- 
crecy to immoralities." 

If we pray, "Lead us not into tempta- 
tion," we should certainly, as much as 
possible, avoid every opportunity of be- 
ing tempted and doing wrong. To ex- 
pose ourselves unnecessarily to tempta- 
tion is tempting God. 

The same danger lurks also in the se- 
crecy of the lodge. 

(To be continued.) 



At the Diet of Spires the timid 
Melanchthon was on the point of agree- 
ing with the Roman Catholic princes 
that the Lutherans should be silent, 
preaching no more, if they were guar- 
anteed immunity from persecution. 
Luther wrote instantly to his nervous, 
temporizing colleague, "If you put the 
eagle in a sack, I will soon let him out !" 
Men have always been trying to im- 



T^^,,4-t, U. 



,U4-,. 4-^ U. 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



13 



Unbelief is the height of presumption ; 
it plainly proves that we are seeking 
some cause of God's love in the creature, 
which can never be. — Robert Chapman. 



PERSEVERANCE 

A swallow in the spring 

Came to our granary, and beneath the 
eaves 
Essayed to make a nest, and there did bring 
Wet earth, and straw and leaves 
Day after day she toiled 
With patient art; but. ere her work was 

crowned. 
Some sad mishap the tiny fabric spoiled, 
And dashed it to the ground. 
She found the ruin wrought; 
But, not cast down, forth from the place 

she flew. 
And with her mate fresh earth and grasses 
brought. 
And built her nest anew. 

But scarcely had she placed 
The last soft feather on its ample floor. 
When wicked hands, or chance, again laid 
wastes 
And wrought the ruin o'er. 
But still her heart she kept, 
And toiled again ; and last night, hearing 

calls, 
I looked, and, lo ! three little swallows slept 
Within the earth-made walls, 
What truth is here, O man ! 
Hath hope been smitten in its early dawn? 
Have clouds o'ercast thy purpose, truth, or 
plan? 
Have faith, and struggle on ! 

— R. S. S. Andros. 



ARE YOU SATISFIED? 

'F I could just be satisfied 

I'd feel like laughin' till I cried, 

I'd be so full of joy and bliss 

I'd almost forgit my rheumatiz ; 

I'd caper like a Scripter hind, 

That is : I'd clean forgit about 

My grinders bein' all worn out 

A gummin' things the gods provide 

'F I could just be satisfied. 

I 'spose I ou'ter be right glad 

A recollectin' I ain't dead, 

Nor ever laid up for repairs 

With all my wrinkles and gray hairs. 

But I'd be so much more glad 

If I could quit a frettin' about 

The things I've had to do without. 

And I'd be older when I died 

'F I could just be satisfied. 



Now there was old Methuselah 

About twenty times as 'old as nic, 

And I'll bet Methuselah died 

Afore he was half satisfied. 

And there was old King Solomon 

Who tried 'most everything under the sun, 

And even writ some poetry 

A'most as good as mine; 

But he felt just like me, 

And sighed and sighed : 

"Oh, 'f I could just be satisfied." 

Most every one I see or hear al)out is just 

like me, 
For persons to twenty-one 
'Spose the world was made for fun ; 
At twenty-five, get married and that settles 
'um. 

Henceforth they get a strange idea 

That things ain't w^hat it used to be. 

And you can hear on every side : 

■'If I could just be satisfied." "* 

There ain't no use, as far as I know. 

Fur bein' all down-cast so, 

And I'm gettin' fur to see 

It's a worryin' inside of me. 

And I'm goin' to if I kin, 

Be satisfieder than I've been. 

So folks'll think, when I'm about, 

There's been a weddin' just let out, 

And I'll be tickled as the bride. 

Fur her and me'll be satisfied. 

— A "Traveling Man." 



A REAL MAN. 

A real man never talks about what the 
world owes him, the happiness he deserves, 
the chance he ought to have, and all that. 
All that he claims is the right to live and play 
the man. 

A real man is just as honest alone in the 
dark, in his own room, as he is in public. 
A real man does not want pulls, tips and 
favors. He wants work and honest wages. 

A real man is loyal to his friends" and 
guards their reputation as his own. 

A real man is dependable. His simple 
word is as good as his Bible oath. 

A real man does not want something for 
nothing, so the "get rich quick" people" can- 
not use him. 

A real man honors a woman. Any woman. 
He cannot hurt a woman, physicallv or mor- 
ally. He sticks to his wife. 

A real man always has excuses for others, 
never for himself. He is patient and char- 
itable toward them, to himself he is strict. 

A real man is glad to live and is not afraid 
to die. 

A real man never hunts danger, and never 
dodges it when he ou^ht to meet it. 

A real man is— well he is a real man, the 
finest, best, noblest, most refreshing thing 



w 



■<fi? 




14 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



to lind on all the green earth, unless it is a 
real woman. 



FIDELITY REWARDED. 

The Moody Bible Institute of Chi- 
cago graduated forty-nine students of 
the winter class of 1920 from its Bible 
study, missionary and gospel music 
courses at public exercises in the Insti- 
tute Auditorium April 22, 1920. The 
dean, Rev. James M. Gray, D. D., was 
the speaker of the evening. 

The graduating class represents seven- 
teen states and five foreign countries. 
Twenty-three graduated from the mis- 
sionary course. 

Since the last graduation exercises, 
December 2, 1919, 172 students also have 
completed courses in the correspondence 
department. These students represent 
thirty-seven states and the following for- 
eign countries : Canada, South America, 
England, New Zealand, Australia an^l 
China. There are now more than 6,000 
■ active students enrolled in the corre- 
spondence department. 



GOMPERS' COMPLAINTS. 

Carpings of Labor Leader Becoming Tire- 
some. 
(New York Telegram.) 

Mr. Gompers is quoted as saying that 
Governor Allen of Kansas is a fomenter 
of Bolshevism. Some one please look 
after Mr. Gompers. Suffering with the 
heat, probably. 

The labor leader objects to Governor 
Allen's bill for the establishment of a 
Court of Industrial Relations. 

Reviewing the record of labor with 
special emphasis upon its work program, 
Mr. Gompers told of the discontent that 
exists in England, France, Germany and 
Russia, and declared that to take from 
labor the right to strike would render the 
labor unions and labor leaders impotent. 

"Then we would find some other way 
to express our discontent," he said. 

There's the sore point — "render the 
labor unions and labor leaders impotent." 

It's as "Uncle Joe" Cannon said. The 
labor leader has to be eternally stirring 
up trouble to hold his job. 

Instead of a Court of Industrial Rela- 
tions, of conciliation, arbitration and ad- 
inctrnf^nt therp are those who want one 



tee," the terrorism, and the devil take the 
hindmost and the consumer. 

Mr. Gompers has become very tire- 
some and not only to the general public 
but to a great number of his own follow- 
ers, who are not firebrands, and don't 
want to associate with firebrands. 

Just what Mr. Gompers means by "we 
would find some other way to express 
our discontent," is not clear. 

It sounds like a threat, but we hope it 
was not so meant. 



GREAT DISTRESS. 

We learned from The Herald-Exaini- 
ncr, Chicago, March 23rd, of this awful 
distressing case of distress. 

The distress of the United States At- 
torney Clyne is not over the crime of a 
brother Mason, but the awful turpitude 
of using the Masonic grand hailing sign 
of distress and thus exposing a brother 
Mason. We gather the following from 
The Chicago H erald-Exafmner : 

United States Attorney Clyne, who has gath- 
ered the evidence in the case, said last night 
that if the facts appear as represented, the 
action of Dalrymple's agent "is a damnable 
outrage." 

"I will prosecute this agent and those behind 
him to the limit of the law," the district at- 
torney said, "if the facts have been correctly 
reported to me. I expect to handle this prose- 
cution personally." 

Posed as Brother Mason. 

Dr. A. J. Karalius, 303 S. Morgan st., is the 
physician who sought to kill himself. He is 
a thirty-second degree Mason and is author 
of five recognized medical works. 

According to the physician's story, told last 
night at the Jefferson Park Hospital, where 
he was recovering from a self-administered 
overdose of morphine, a man prominently 
displaying a Masonic emblem, entered his 
office. 

"I need a whisky prescription," he is quoted 
as saying. 

He supported his request with a Masonic 
signal. 

Tricked by a Masonic Word. 

Dr. Karalius made an examination of the 
supposed patient. The examination was 
sornewhat cursory, he explained, because he 
relied upon the word of a man who had 
proved himself a fellow Mason. 

The prescription was written and handed 
to the visitor. The latter accepted it with one 
hand and with the other flung back a coat 
lapel. 

"I am one of Maj. Dalrymple's agents. You 
are under arrest." 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



15 



against the physician. Commissioner Foote 

set the hearing of th^ case for this morning. 

Says He Paid $1,000 Bribe. 

Several days after his arrest, according to 
the doctor, a man claiming to be a federal 
agent visited him and offered to see that 
prosecution would be dropped— for $1,000. Dr. 
Karalius says he paid the bribe. 

Later he visited a physician friend, Dr. M. 
Marbel, Thirty-third place and Morgan st. 
Dr. Karalius had become moody. Even if 
the bribe brought the promised results he re- 
garded that his professional standing had been 
permanently impeached. He announced his 
intention of killing himself. 

"Agents Wreck Reputations." 

Sunday evening, Dr. Karalius locked him- 
self in his office and administered to him- 
self a dose of morphine, calculated to kill. 
Then he telephoned his friend. 

"I have taken poison,'' the words came to 
Dr. Marbel. "I just called up to say good-by. 
And I have one last request. Please point 
out to the people of the United States the 
tragedy of allowing men like these prohibi- 
tion agents to wreck the reputation and stand- 
ing of a professional man who had given 
■years to building up a character of which he 
thought he might be proud. Tell the people 
of the country that for me. Good-by." 
Criminal Limit, Says Clyne. 

Dr. ]\Iarbel got to the office of his friend 
in record time. He rushed the poisoned man 
to the hospital and succeeded, after an all- 
night effort, in reviving the life spark. 

When the case appears before Commission- 
er Foote this morning Dr. Karalius will be 
sufficiently recovered, it is believed, to appear. 
Also, Dr. Marbel will be present. 

"And I'll be there, too," District Attorney 
Clyne mentioned. ''This sort of thing of 
tricking physicians or others into approxima- 
tion of law violation is in itself the last thing 
in criminality." 

Such distressing- criminality can be 
charged against every detective and de- 
tective agency in the countrv. 



WAR RISK INSURANCE. 

BY B. M. HOLT. 

The Lutheran Church is ever active in 
opposing fraternal (lodge) insurance, 
not only on account of the Christless re- 
ligion of the insurance lodges and their 
shameful initiations, but also on account 
of the utter unfairness and little worth 
of the insurance offered, from a busi- 
ness standpoint. In this connection read 
the chapter on Lodge Insurance in my 
booklet, "The Case Against the Lodge," 
or "Woodmen of the World." Conse- 
quently the question has always present- 
ed itself, "What kind of insurance, 
then?" 



To our boys and young men who deem 
life insurance a worthy and wise thing, 
we would say, all regular old line insur- 
ance companies may be regarded as safe. 
And to "our boys" who were in the late 
war nothing better can be offered than 
War Risk Insurance as furnished by the 
United States Government. "There 
should be a feeling of special pride in the 
owiiership of a War Risk Insurance con- 
tract, since only those who served in 
active duty during the recent emergency 
are entitled to hold it. Btit the fact is 
that 8/ per cent of the holders of War 
Risk Insurance has lapsed since the 
armistice. Since the War Risk Insur- 
ance is positively the cheapest life insur- 
ance to be had and as good or better than 
the best old line insurance, the lapse of 
3,948.000 insurance contracts is greatly 
to be regretted. 

It is true that the War Risk Insurance 
Bureau is much to blame for all this 
lapsation. But stop for a inoment and 
consider the tremendous task committed 
to the Bureau. No department of the 
whole war machine experienced a growth 
equal to that of the insurance depart- 
ment. In less than one year it grew 
from a business handled by less than a 
score of inen to a business embracing 
four of the largest businesses of its kind 
in the world, having written 4,539,028 
policies, representing a total insurance 
originally in force of $39,669,198,000. 
and premiums collected to January i, 
1919, of $200,000,000, and claims pay- 
able to the extent of $1,010,265,000. It 
handled 4.391,356 appHcations for allot- 
ments and allowances, and expended in 
round figures $508,000,000. The changes 
in the records caused by deaths and 
births in allotted families averaged 200.- 
ooo per month. 

Consider also that the men to whom 
this gigantic labor was committed had 
no time to prepare themselves for the 
work and that most of thein were not 
fitted by previotis experience for such an 
undertaking. Like other departments of 
the great war machine they were wholly 
without organization, and no adequate 
provision had been made for so exten- 
sive a department as this one shortly be- 
came. It was difficult to secure proper 
attention to its needs when the eyes of 
the entire country were focused on seme- 



16 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



thing far greater than money — the win- 
ning of the war, 

Mctory. and not self-protection, was 
the uppermost thought in the minds of 
our soldier boys, too, and therefore, 
when the war suddenly came to an end 
they were not in a mood to give much 
consideration to the matter of insur- 
ance. To get home was the big thing. 
U^hile thousands of dollars were spent 
for literature and lectures emphasizing 
the importance of "hanging on" to War 
Risk Insurance, most of the boys ap- 
parently slept through it all. 

In many instances the boys lost faith 
in the Insurance Bureau, because the 
records oftentimes w^re not sufficiently 
complete and up-to-date to make possi- 
ble prompt and satis fatcory replies to all 
inquiries. The Bureau has also been 
blamed for many mistakes for which 
Army officers were responsible, these 
officers in their turn being obliged to 
work under such pressure that errors 
were practically unavoidable. 

No doubt many of our soldiers and 
their dependents have failed to receive 
all that is due them, but our Government 
zuill correct every mistake in time, and 
will gladly furnish information regard- 
ing the payment of lapsed premiums and 
the converting of War Insurance into 
permanent insurance, the best in the 
K'orld today. 

Government insurance is cheaper than 
any other insurance and is a straight 
business proposition. You do not have 
to risk your life in a lodge initiation or 
deny Christ by joining in prayers and 
religious rites with Jews and Turks. And 
not only does the obtaining of lodge in- 
surance endanger your life, but it may 
cause you to lose your soul, inasmuch 
as the rehgion of the lodges is not the 
religion of Christ, whose is the only 
name under heaven whereby a man may 
be saved. 

Write to the Superintendent of Docu- 
ments at \\'ashington for a copy of the 
''Sweet Bill," modifying the Insurance 
Act. Pay up your War Insurance now, 
if you want insurance at all. and do not 
allow yourself to be deceived by "cheap" 
lodge insurance, which in the end will 
cost vou ten to one in dollars and cents, 
with lodge paganism thrown in from the 



of America, the Woodmen of the World 
and the Royal Arcanum as solemn warn- 
ings against the high cost and instability 
of fraternal insurance. 

Think these matters over. A year 
from now you will have sacrificed your 
right to War Insurance. 

Barnesville, Minn, 



LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT. 

EY J. K. HOWARD. 

One hundred million citizens of the 
United States of America are now gov- 
erned by members of anti-Christian se- 
cret societies. It is notorious that almost 
all municipal, state, national, legislative, 
judicial and executive offices throughout 
the United States are now administered 
by members of anti-Christian orders to 
gratify and glorify members of these 
secret organizations. It is national suicide 
to authorize a small minority, members 
of secret societies, to legislate for our 
nation of one hundred million people, 
and as a result of our folly it is impos- 
sible to enforce our laws upon criminal 
secretists, while their brother members 
are legislators, jurors a»d judges in our 
courts of law throughout the United 
States. 

It is apparent that secret societies 
should be outlawed and its members 
legally debarred from administering any 
legislative, judicial or executive office 
within this country. 

It is evident that the National Chris- 
tian Association is performing a jmra- 
mount national and essential service in 
warning citizens against the secret em- 
pire which usurps, perverts, subverts and 
renders nugatory the legislation and gov- 
ernment of the United States. 'Tn God 
we trust" for guidance to redeem our 
country and to perpetuate the United 
States government on a basis of equity 
and rectitude. 

Kansas City, Mo. 



THE NEED OF THE HOUR. 

Mr. Roger W. Babson. of Wellesley 
Hill. Mass., is a financial expert. He 
sends out letters to business houses 
throughout the country reporting on the 
business condition of the world. Recent- 
ly he said, "The need of the hour is not 
more legislation. The need of the hour 



M 



ay, 



1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



17 



halls of Congress to the factories, mines, 
stores, fields and forests. It is one thing 
to talk about plans and policies, but to 
plan policies without religious motives 
is to make a watch without a spring or 
a body without the breath of life. The 
trouble today is that we are trying to 
hatch out chickens from sterile eggs. We 
may have the finest incubator in the 
world and operate it according to the 
most approved regulations. Moreover, 
the eggs may be perfect specimens, but 
unless they have the germ of life in 
them all our efforts are of no avail. 

fThe need of the hour is Christianity, 
not religion.] 



If we could merit our own salvation, 
Christ would not have died for us.— 
IVilUaui Jerome, Martvr. 



THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. 

r>V REV. SAMUEL M. ZWEMER, D, D. 

"This is life eternal, that they should 
kjiozv Thee, the only true God, and Him 
"u'Jioiu Thou didst send, even Jesus 
Christ." — Joiix 17:3. 

"Because that knozving God they glor- 
ify Him not as God, neither gave thanks, 
hut became vain in their reasonings, and 
their senseless Jieart was darkened/' — 
Romans 1:21. 

The Bible teaches that there is only 
one true God, that He revealed Himself 
to man, and that the knowledge of God 
which we possess is not acquired by 
man's own genius, but is a revelation 
from God Himself. 

Heathenism is on the downward path. 
Monotheism came first and polytheism 
was a deterioration. "Professing them- 
selves to be wise, they became fools, and 
changed the glory of the incorrruptible 
Ciod into an image made like to corrupti- 
ble man, and to birds, and four-footed 
1)easts, and creeping things.'' The only 
full and true knowledge of God is found 
in tlie revelation of His personality, 
character and will in the Old and New 
Testaments. When we consider what 
this involves we see clearly how Hin- 
duism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Animism. 
Confucianism and Islam ha^e all failed 
1)y commission of oxer emphasis. Hie- 
result is that in the non-Christian re- 
ligions we have a distorted view of God 
and of our relation to Him. 



The following outline can be applied 
to each of the non-Christian religions 
as a test of its real character, and a proof 
of its inadequac}-. 

I. The Object of Our Knowledge — 

The only true and living God. 
(i) He is a person. Theism vs. 
Atheism, Pantheism, Agnosti- 
cism. 

(2) He is Triune in essence — Fath- 
er, Son and Holy Spirit. 

(3) His_ attributes include all per- 
fection possible to our imagina- 
tion, and all glory and power 
beyond human comprehension. 

(4) God is related to the universe 
as Creator, Preserver. Provi- 
dence. 

(5) God became incarnate for man's 
salvation. 

(6) God dwells in His world, and 
in the hearts of His people. 

II. The Method of Our Kxowledc;e 
OF God. 

(i) Intuition — His imi.ge — Con.- 
science — Spiritual Htinger. 

(2) Observation ~ God m nature — 
Psalm 19. 

(3) Revelation — Heb. 1:1. . . 
''By the Prophets . .in His 
Son." 

(4) Experience — Regeneration - 
Adoption — Sanctification. 

III. The Result of Our Kxcjwledce 
OF God — Eternal Life. "He that 
hath th^ Son hath life"— .the true 
life revealed; the true life imputed 
the true life iniparted^ bv Tesus 
Christ alone. ' ' 

Eternal life is knowledge of the Eter- 
nal— experimental knowledge. ' Without 
Christ is to be not only without hope but 
in the deepest sense without God. 

Xone of the great religions of the non- 
Christian world give an adequate knowl- 
edge of God. Only Christ has. lifted th^ 
veil. As Dr. Alexander :\rac!aren sav^ 
m a sermon on John 14:1: "The God 
whom men know cutside of lesus Christ 
is a poor nebulous thing: an idea and not 
a reality. You will have to get some- 
thing more substantial than the far-olT 
God of an unchristian theism, if you 
mean to swav the w()rkl and to satisfy 
men's hearts/' 



18 



CHRlSTlAxX CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



i^etosi of (But WBovk 



This month closes the fiscal year of 
the Association and our grateful thanks 
are tendered hereby to the friends for 
their prayers, co-operation and financial 
support during the past year. We, as 
sons of God, have been blessed together 
in preparing the way for the Kingdom 
of God. Let us pledge ourselves anew 
to the good work and pray and labor if 
it please God until He comes. 



THE IOWA ANNUAL MEETING. 
Secretary's Report. 

The Iowa Christian Association met 
in a State Convention in the First 
Friends Church of Des Moines, Iowa, 
April 13th and 14th,. 1920. The business 
meeting was held on Wednesday fore- 
noon, and the following officers were 
elected: Rev. J. Weersing, President, 
Hull, Iowa; Rev. W. R. Emerson, Sec- 
retary, Charles City, Iowa; Rev. C. 
^laring^ Treasurer, Otley, Iowa ; Rev. 
A. M. Malcolm, First Vice-PresideT?t, 
Albia, Iowa ; with Rev. Wm. Kirby, Des 
Moines, Rev. H. G. Patterson, Morning 
Sun, Rev. J. M. Van der Kieft, Prairie 
City, Rev. A. Norrbon, Des Moines, Rev. 
J. Wesselink, Pella, and Rev. A. H. 
Brat, Eddyville, all of Iowa, as Vice- 
Presidents and Financial Agents, 

Rev. A. H. Brat, Rev. Wm. Kirby, 
and Rev. H. G. Patterson, were appoint 
ed a Committee on Resolutions. 

Several letters from persons who were 
not present were read, expressing the 
wishes of the writers for the progress 
and welfare of the work of the Conven- 
tion, and the Association as well. 

A program had been arranged, and the 
several members on the program were 
all present to render their parts, and all 
addresses and talks were good. We were 
especially favored in having Rev. Dr. 
Charles A. Blanchard of Wheaton Col- 
lege, and William I. Phillips, Secretary 
of the National Christian Association, 
with us, and each had a place on the pro- 
gram — Dr. Blanchard appearing several 
times. His experience in this work, his 
piety as a Christian man and minister of 
the Gospel was highly appreciated by all 



and it is hoped that the work will take 
on a new strength in the coming year. 

— W. R. Emerson, Secretary. 



IOWA TREASURER'S REPORT. 

Otley, Iowa, April 15th, 1920. 

I believe it is customary to give a re- 
port in the Cynosure of the money re- 
ceived and expended by the Iowa Christ- 
ian Association. Kindly give this report 
a place along with that of the Secre- 
tary's. 

Received from : 
Rev. A. M. Malcolm, former 

Treasurer $2o6.0G 

Christian Reformed Church, Sul- 
ly, la 20.00 

Christian Reformed Church, 

Leighton 10.00 

Dr. G. A. Pegram, Mason City 

Iowa • .... V 2.00 

Christian Reformed Church, 

Prinsburg 12.5c 

Christian Reformed Church, 

Volga, S. D 16,79 

Rev. J. B. Van den Hoek, Hills, 

Minn i.oo 

Rev. A. M. Malcolm, Albia, Iowa 10.00 

Rev. J. Flaefner i.oo 

Collection at Convention . 8.45 



Paid out : 

For stamps and postal cards. . . .! 

For Convention at Des Moines. . 



$287.7-1 



.50 
88.90 

$ 89.40 



To the Treasury of the National 

Christian Association 100.00 



$189.40 
Balance in Treasury, April 15, 

1920 98.3.1 



(Signed) 



$287.74 
C. Maring, Treas. 



An honest heart and a sincere inten- 
tion to obey God will clear the path of 
duty from many a stumbling block which 
the pride of human reason has set up. — 
Selected. 



The Lord would not have spirit- 



lalif^ 



M-vrnrr^fT 



1 f 



rr»m nr\mmr\r\ Qpncp 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



19 



IOWA CONVENTION LETTERS. 

Hills, Minnesota. 

How glad I would be to convene with 
you all in Des Moines. But 1 shall have 
to be faithful in some little things here 
at home, while you are allowed to do 
some bigger things. 

My prayer shall be in your midst, when 
you do the business in Des Moines. I 
like Des Monies. Have trod her streets 
many times when I w^as pastor at Gales- 
burg, my first charge, fifteen years ago. 
Cialesburg is forty miles east of Des 
Moines. 

Do you know, that you v.'ill be used 
greatly in that Convention? Not so 
many faithful ones may show up, but 
to be on the Lord's side! Oh, the 
blessed thought ! And then, don't forget 
it — though you have your troubles with 
this Convention — angels will serve. God's 
favor is worth more than io,ooo world- 
ly "great men,'' who might have come to 
applaud your speeches. Only have the 
vision of faith ! Yes, faith bridges the 
hatred of the "big men," and gives sup- 
erhuman strength to ''small men," as we 
are. And then, at the end, we get it a//; 
not only Heaven, but the earth besides. 

Greet the men who will carry the bur- 
den of the Convention. I long for all the 
good news, which will be transferred to 
us by our only Cynosure. What would 
we do without it? 

Yours in the dear Lord's service, 

(Signed) J. B. Van den Hoek. 



Mason City, -Iowa. 

I regret exceedingly that I cannot be 
with you this year, but my practice as a 
physician is such just now that I hardly 
dare to leave it. Nevertheless, you have 
my best wishes and prayers and hearty 
interest. I delight to meet old friends 
as well as to make new ones, especially 
among kindred spirits. 

Having a common interest with you 
folks, I am inclined to say something 
concerning the cause and work. The 
theme suggested to me, "Personal Atti- 
tude Toward Lodge People," suggests 
a number of things. When I was in the 
work proper, some ardent anti-secret 
people thought I was not doing my w^hole 
duty unless I was denouncing all lodge 
people in the strongest terms. Sometime 
I did denounce them, but I feel sure that 



the better way was to do what I started 
out to do, and that w^as to show that the 
great Scriptural principles of righteous- 
ness, justice, benevolence, brotherhood, 
etc., were violated by the principles of 
the whole lodge system. I have long 
been convinced that the best w'ay to op- 
pose secrecy is to show up all the great 
principles of Scripture which relate to 
lodgery, and show that, instead of the 
lodge being founded upon the Bible, 
every conception is a glaring perversion 
of the Bible. The statement by lodge 
members that their lodge is founded on 
the Bible is not always intentionally falsi- 
fying upon their part, for many ha\e 
heard it preached and so explained, and 
the true interpretation has never been 
given them. It is natural and easy for 
them to believe the only interpretation 
they have heard. Most people in the 
Church have shallow views of the Bible 
also, because they have never taken the 
time to think their w^ay through to light. 
Time would fail me to wrile all I 
wish. I must close now with the best 
wishes to the Iowa Christian Associa- 
tion. Remember me and my work in 
your prayers. Yours for Christ's sake. 
(Signed) G. A. Pegram. 



Columbus City, Iowa. 

Greeting — I embrace the opportunity 
of expressing by letter what I cannot do 
in person, my sympathetic interest in the 
righteous cause you represent, and fo'* 
the triumph of which you are working 
with commendable zeal. Continue the 
good work ; labor on and on with earn 
estness, in faith and hope, for it is the 
Master's work, and in the evening time it 
shall be light. 

"Truth crushed to earth will ri'^e 
again'' — in the Lord's own time. The 
victory, so long delayed, is not likely anv 
fault of yours ; the fault lies largely 
with the thousands in Israel who are in- 
different, who have not as yet beer 
awakened to the supreme importance of 
putting energy and push into this just 
cause in which our common Lord is in- 
terested ; and of working hopefully and 
persistently until the Secret Empire shall 
collapse. Then shall be brought to light 
more clearly the folly, selfishness and 
danger of the organizations that lay all 
their plans in the dark, and do all their 



CHRISTIAN CYXOSURE 



Mav. 1920. 



work under the cover of secrecy. The 
Savior has said. "There is nothing cover- 
ed that shall not be revealed, and hid, 
that shall not be known." 

The teachings of our Lord met with 
stiii* and persistent opposition, and He 
Himself suffered martyrdom, but His 
doctrines were only the more widely 
spread and deeply rooted. 

These victories, abolition and prohibi- 
tion, and triumphs of moral principles 
in the recent past, have in them a lesson 
and should bring cheer and courage to 
the hearts of men and women who are 
standing with Jesus in defense of 
anti-secretism. The truth is mighty and 
will prevail,, even though bitterly op- 
posed by people bearing the Christian 
name. Human society cannot be what 
it is intended to be as long as it is leav- 
ened with secret ism. It must go down 
before the advancing light of the Gospel 
and Christian civilization. 

^lay the Lord bless your Christian 'ef- 
forts in His name, directing the forma- 
tion of all your plans for securing and 
for the enduring triumph cf the open 
Christian life. 

A'ery fraternally, 

S. B. HousTOX. 
Minister of the Reformed Presbyterian 

Church. 



REASONS WHY I OPPOSE THE 
LODGE. 

BY PROF. JACOB HEEMSTRA. 

It was our intention to give a full re- 
port of the Iowa State ^Meeting. A 
stenographer was engaged, who remained 
about an hour, but would not serve long- 
er, and though promising to do so, did 
not turn over the notes made during 
that hour. We were unable to find any 
one who would report the meeting. Evi- 
dently the Iowa State Christian Associa- 
tion is not popular with the public sten- 
ographers of Des Moines. The only ad- 
dress that was in manuscript was that 
of Rev. A. H. Brat. 

We were able to get an outline only 
of the address by Prof. Jacob Heemstra. 
Central College. PeUa. Iowa. His theme 
was "Reasons ^^'hy I Am Opposed to 
the Lodge." \V. L P. 

Outline of the Address. 



a. Explanation that its secrets are 
only business secrets. 

A\T11 not go into anythmg blindfolded. 
]\Iuch less with a solemn oath. 
When it cannot be shown to be an or- 
ganization of great good. 

b. Secretism is opposed to Script- 
ures. 

What we do we should do in the light. 
Should let our light shine. 

c. Opposed to spirit of Democracy. 
"We want dealing that is above board 

and can bear the light. 

Secretism fosters perversion of jus- 
tice. 

2. Because the Lodge professes the 
same aims as the Church, and therefore 
usurps her place. 

a. ]\Ioral and Spiritual welfare of its 
members. 

b. Experience with Oddfellows. 
■3. L'nchristian charity practiced. 

a. Would not be opposed to this if it 
professed only to be a beneht society or 
an insurance order. 

b. Sets itself up in action as though 
it had a religion of its own. 

II. Personal attitude towards lodge 
people. 

I. As occasion oilers I believe it my 
duty to show my attitude to the lodge, 
and why. 

Especially is this my duty towards 
those who are professing Christians and 
members of Christian churches. 

This does not mean that I need to 
break friendship. 

Some of my very good friends are in 
the lodge. 

Does not mean that I must judge mv 
friend as not being a Christian. 

Believe some earnest Christians are 
in the lodge — know earnest workers in 
the church and in the lodge. 

Examples : 

Personal attitude. \\'ould not refuse 
to accept Oddfellow if he left the order 
and his professions are all right. - 

Do not wish to get mixed up with 
lodge activities. 



Saints wish to know the truth respect- 
ing themselves, whatever it may be, 
'while those who prefer that their sup- 
posed s^race should not be tried are se- 



CHRIS' 



VXOSVRE 



IOWA CONVENTION ADDRESS. 

UY A. H. BRAT, V. D. M. 

Mr. President. Ladies and Gentlemen — 

It is with great reluctance that I ap- 
pear before you tonight. It is not verv 
long ago that I lay dowTi with the Influ- 
enza. So. at present, I feel somewhat 
weak, physically. Furthermore, I have 
not been able to apply myself as I shoultl 
and. as a result, I am afraid that I shall 
not do justice to your expectarrion. Al- 
though I longed to be excused. I dared 
not refuse my senices. As a soldier I 
could not disobey the call to arms and 
dut}-. Therefore. I shall now tr}* to do 
my best, but at the same time, crave your 
indulgence and pray you to bear with me 
in my weakness. 

The subject about which I chose to 
give my testimony and to which I draw 
your attention for consideration and in- 
vestigation with me. is : 
FREE-MASONRY AN ARMORY OF 
THE ANTI-CHRIST. 

As we all know, there is a great spirit- 
ual warfare waging in the world. It 
began six thousand years ago in the beau- 
tiful garden of Eden. It is waged be- 
tween God and the apostate angels, light 
and darkness, grace and sin. Christ and 
the Anti-Christ. The eartli is the battle 
ground. The soul and the allegiance 
of man is the bone of contention. Might}- 
efforts have been put forth by both sides 
to attain the master}*. But, alas, the re- 
sults in the light at present are far from 
heartening to the f>eople of God. 

We are at present in the midst of the 
great warfare. Both powers are todav 
m^arshalling their forces. Xo means are 
left imused and untried. It is our pur- 
pose to study one means employed bv 
the Prince of darkness to get man for 
his own. namely the Lodge. 

In our theme — " Free-ma sonr\ an 
Armor}- of the Anti-christ" — there are 
three concepts to be developed: Free- 
masonr)', Armor}- and Anti-christ. We 
shall treat of them in reverse order and 
hope to prove our proposition to be true, 
and if we fail, we stand open to correc- 
tion and prepared to retract. 

The Anti-christ. In regard to the Aii- 
ti-christ we do not purpose to say much. 
People, on the whole, are rather well 
agreed as to what is to be understood by 
Anti-christ. The Bible is ven- explicit 



in the matter. Christ says, tliat many 
false prophets and. false christs shall 
come into the world, t Mtt. 7:15: 24:5: 
Mk. 13:21. 2>^\ Luke 17:33.) John the 
apostle, recognized the Anti-christ in 
the heretics of his time. (John 2:18: 
4:3; John 7.) Paul says, in order to 
comfon and warn the Thessalonians : 
"Let no man deceive you by any means 
for that day (the Lord's second coming ) 
shall not come except there come a fall- 
ing away tirst and that man of sin be 
revealed, the man of perdition who op- 
posed! and exalteth himself above all 
that is God or is worshipped; so that 
he sitteth as God in the temple of God. 
showing himself to be God :" ( 2 Thess. 
2:34.) "For the myster}- of iniouiry 
doth already work."" (vs. 7 1 "even him. 
whose coming is after the wishing of 
Satan with all power and signs and Iv- 
ing wonders, and with aU deceiveable- 
ness of mirighteousness in them that 
: erish because they received not the love 
of the truth, that they might be saved: 
and for this cause God shall send them 
strong delusion that they may believe a 
lie. that they may be damned who t»e- 
lieved not the truth, but had pleasure in 
unrighteousness" (vs. 7-12. V What a 
characterization of the Anti-christ and 
them that follow after him I As we look 
round about us. does it not seem as tho' 
«-e see with our own eyes in some insti- 
tutions of the day that this picture of 
2 Thess. 2. has come true ? Let us keep 
this passage in our mind for a while 
Rcz'elafions tell us that the Anti-chris; 
is the beast coming up from the sea 
(world kingdom I. supponcd by the 
beast from the earth (false prophets 
and philosophy). 

From the foregoing we see that the 
.\nti-christ has a histor}-, and that he 
manifests himself in a serie- of persons 
and organizations. It is first the genius 
of the Anti-christ that we perceive in the 
course of histor}-. That genius reveals 
itself in the heretics of Christ's and 
Johns time. Paul also saw that genius 
at work in Thessalonica. Then we see 
it in the movement of the Mohammed- 
ans. We see manifestations of it in the 
Roman Catholic church, in the Mormon 
church, and so fonh. By and by when 
the time is ripe, that genius will no long- 
er work secretlv and covertlv. and thru 




11 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



all manner of mediums, but openly. It 
will then show that it has succeeded in 
establishing a world-kingdom. And at 
the head of that kingdom will be the An- 
ti-christ or the genius, described in Paul's 
epistle, personified, who will be honored 
as God. There will be a kind of in- 
carnation of sin. 

Xo one person or thing or institution 
or organization can as yet be said to be 
the Anti-christ ; but all these converge to 
one point and will produce the Anti- 
christ. One of the many organizations 
which will be factors in the evolution of 
the Anti-christ is the lodge of Free-mas- 
onr}-. \\> claim that the genius of the 
Anti-christ is manifest in the lodge of 
Free-masonry. We claim that Free- 
masonry is an Armory of the Anti-christ. 

Ar]nory. What is an armory? The 
Standard Dictionary says: "x\n armory 
is a building for the use of a body of 
militia, including generally storage for 
arms and ec[uipment, drill rooms, etc., 
and in some cases with many of the ap- 
pointments of a club-house." And the 
militia are "those citizens collectively 
who are enrolled (voluntarily) and drilled 
in military organization other than 
the regular mihtary forces." 

The militia has a building for its spe- 
cial use. 

The men meet and have arms and 
equipment there. 

In the building are drill and lecture 
rooms. Qualified men teach and dr'U 
the men of the militia. 

In emergencies, like strikes and riots, 
the militia are called forth. 

Let us go on to the discussion of Free 
masonry, to see whether it may be called 
an armory and whether the genius of" 
the Anti-christ is at work in that lodge 

Free-masonry. We claim that free- 
masonry is an armory of the kind we 
have described. Let us draw the par- 
allel. 

Free-masonry has buildings for its 
..nvn special and secret use. 

Men apply at the buildings to become 
members and to be trained and to be 
taught the mysteries of Free-masonry. 

Men meet and have their lodge clothes, 
regalia, arms, etc., there. 

In the building are drill and lecture 



Let us examine more closely two ques- 
tions : First, what is being taught in the 
Free-mason's armory ? And second 
How are the wills and affections trained? 
If we are not convinced from the an- 
swers that follow, that Free-masonry is a 
training school, an armory of the Anti- 
christ, we will be sorry to have made use 
of your time, and to have abused your 
good-will. We promise you that we v/ill 
not make mere naked statements, but 
that we shall endeavor to quote authori- 
ties at every step, to prove what we aver. 
We are forced to quote lodge authorities, 
since we never have been a lodge mem- 
ber. 

What is taught by Freemasonry? 

1. That it is a divine institution. 
Masons sing at their meetings: "Hail, 
Masonry divine. Thou art divine'" 
(Sickle's Monitor, p. 144). 

2. That it is a religious institution. 
*'A11 the ceremonies of our order are 
prefaced and terminated with prayer 
because Masonry is a religious institu- 
tion." (Mackey's Lexicon, p. 371.) 

3. That its lodge rooms are temples 
of God. At the dedication of a hall the 
following has to be read or i^poken: 'Tn 
the name of the Supreme and Eternal 
God, the Grand Architect of Heaven and 
Earth, to whom be all glory and honor, 
I dedicate this hall to Masonry." (Mack- 
ey's Manual, p. 194.) 

4. That its ofHeers are holy. In the 
address of Andrew Ruberna, in Phila- 
delphia, in 1873, the following passage 
occurred : "Let the High Priest of every 
chapter upon whom the Holy Order ha'^ 
been conferred, remember, that he has 
been made such, not after the law of a 
carnal commandment, but after the pow- 
er of an endless life, for he testifieth : 
Thou art a priest after the order of Mel- 
chisedek." 

5. That its members are God's eJios- 
en people. We read : 'Tor they be thy 
people, and thine inheritance, for thou 
didst separate them from among all 
people of the earth to be thine inherit- 
ance." (Mackey's Manual, p. 198.) 

6. That salvation eomes to its mem 
hers. "Every good mason is of neces- 
sity and emphatically a christian, and is 
assured of his election and final salva- 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



23 



the happy reflection consequent on a 
well spent life and die in tlie hope of a 
glorious immortality." Sickle's Mon- 
itor, p. 114. 

7. That to live masonically makes 
sinless. "A ^lason. who by living in 
strict obedience to the obligation and 
precepts of the fraternity is free from 
sin.*" (^lackey's Lexicon, p. 16.) 

8. That belief in a God is enough 
for salvation. 'Tt asks only for a dec- 
laration of that simple and universal 
faith in which all men of all nation-- 
and sects agree, the belief in a God and 
his superintending providence. Beyond 
this it does not venture, but leaves ^he 
minds of its disciples on other and sect- 
arian points perfectly untrammelled." 
(Alackey's Lexicon, p. 404.) 

9. That Masonry is aboi'c or z^'ithoitt 
our Bible. "To require that, a candi- 
date profess a belief in the 'Divine auth- 
ority of the Bible,' or, 'a state of future 
rewards and punishments,' is a serious 
innovation in the very body of ]\Iason- 
ry." Blue Lodge Masonry has nothing- 
whatever to do with the Bible. It i^ 
not founded on the Bible. If it was 
it would not be Masonry, it would be 
something else." (Chase's Digest of 
Masonic Law, p. 206, 207.) 

Pray, whose handiwork is Freemason- 
ry ? Whose spirit pervades the hidden 
rooms? Whose genius prompts the act- 
ors and actions and decisions? Who is 
in power? Whose teachings are the 
foregoing? What is the object? 

How are the wills and affections of 
the members trained in order that the 
genius of the lodge may do its work? 
It is as follows : 

I. The member is instructed and 
drilled to practice implicit and 'bicon- 
ditional obedience to the absolute and 
despotic government of the lodge. 
Practically speaking, he is supposed to 
lay his destiny, his body and soul, his 
all in the hands of the Grand Lodge 
and the Master of his local lodge. We 
read : "A grand lodge is invested with 
power and authority over all the craft 
within its jurisdiction. It is supreme 
court of appeal in all Masonic cases, 
and to its decrees- unliuiited obedie)ice 
must be paid by every lodg*^ and every 
mason situated within its control" 
Mackey's Lexicon, p. 185. "The pow- 



ers and pri\'ileges of the Master (jf the 
lodge are by no means limited in extent. 
Xo one can preside in his lodge in his 
presence without his consent ; and it 
therefore follows that charges against 
him cannot be tried in his lodge. He 
may call to his assistance any master he 
pleases, may call a special meeting, close 
or call off his lodge at pleasure. He 
may command the attendance of his of- 
ficers and members at any time by sum- 
mons, may appoint all committees not 
otherwise provided for. We believe it 
is well settled by nearly every Grand 
Lodge in United States, that agreeable 
to ]\Iasonic law, the power of the Master 
in his lodge is absolute." Chase's Di- 
gest, pp. 380, 381. And as to a ^lason 
who gets tired of his lodge and wishes 
to quit the Organization : "A subordin- 
ate lodge has complete ^Masonic juris- 
diction over any and every ^Mason resid- 
ing in its vicinity, though such may not 
be a member of it or any other lodge, 
and it may exercise all the rights of dis- 
cipline over him, the same as over one 
of its members." "xA non-affiliated 
]\Iason still remains subject to the gov- 
ernment of the order and may be tried 
and punished for rny oft'ense as an affili- 
ated ]\Iason would be by the lodge, with- 
in whose jurisdiction geographically he 
resides." Chase Digest, pp. y^^' 74- 
This authority is not only talked about, 
but practiced by word and deed and ob- 
ject lessons. 

2. In order to hold the 'iiember and 
to make it possible for the lodge to use 
its despotic and absolute power, oath no- 
on oath and obligation uix)n obligation 
are asked of those who enter and proceed 
in the order. These oaths are most aw- 
ful and blasphemous. A man in ^lich- 
igan, wdio had made application for mem- 
bership in the lodge, was so terrified by 
wdiat he was obliged to swear to that he 
bolted and left the lodge conscience- 
striken and almost beside himself. Even 
as he told me his experience he trembled. 
Yet he dared not tell me what he had 
been asked to swear to. Tomorrcw 
very likely, we shall have opportunity ^0 
hear some of those oaths quoted. 

The lodge oath has various eft'ects up- 
on him who takes it. First, it impresses; 
a man with its awfulness. even to stun 
the man temporarily mentally and moral- 



24 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



ly. ^lost of them cannot tell you what 
they swore to. Tiien it lets one feel its 
binding power, so that the man dare not 
back otit, even tho his whole being re- 
coils at the memory of the oath. Later 
on it eventually sears the conscience and 
kills the moral and spiritual sensibilities. 
Thereupon the oath loses its aw fulness 
in his eyes, it is no longer revolting, but 
a desirous thing. At this stage it has 
dawned on the man that he can do prac- 
tically what he pleases, because the oath 
makes provision for the commission and 
concealment of capital and other crimes, 
either his own or those of the other man. 
The ultimate condition of the oath-bound 
man is that he is an efficient tool to carry 
out the promptings of the genius of the 
lodge. Once more, why? Because he 
realizes that his life is forfeited by the 
least deviation from the oath, and what 
man is there so perfect in speech and 
deed as to not have done something, 
somewhere, sometime, that was not Mas- 
onic and — which fact is well known 
to his fellow member? What remains 
but to do and shout as he is told by those 
in authority ? He has heard and seen 
in the lodge room that the lodge does 
what it says. Those of us who like to 
study the nature of the lodge oaths 
should buy Finney's Masonry, an author- 
ity on Freemasonry. 

3. The lodge brings about an artifici- 
al relation of fraternity or brotherhood, 
the obligations of which are inconsistent 
with the duties a man owes to his fellow- 
man, with those relations w^hich God 
has established and in which He has 
placed us. He is forced to mix with all 
kinds of men, the sober and the drunk, 
the moral and the libertine, the world- 
ling and the profligate, etc., and to call 
and treat these as his brothers ; to con- 
sider these saved ; to regard them as the 
chosen ones of God. And in case of con- 
flict, as to whom to help, his brother bv 
blood or his lodge brother, he must 
chose the latter one. The result is that 
the ^ilason forsakes home, church and 
the state, and finds his all in the lodge. 
The lodge room has become his home, 
his church, his government. Ask the 
wives of lodge members whether this is 
true or not. Ask your pastor. Attend 

n^,■l^ri- nQ c^c in i^rViirVi maQnr.c; nnri nnn 



Pray, whose hand is to be seen in this 
alTair? AMiose spirit breathes in the 
oaths? \\'hat is the tendency of all this 
that happens behind closed doors, doors 
guarded by a man with a real sword? 
\A'here is the Christ? Are not such 
teachings and discipline together antag- 
onistic to the teachnigs of Christ? 

We are almost done. We would ask 
you now, if you bear in mind the charac- 
terization of the Anti-christ in 2 Thess. 
2, and you now review what has been 
said about the teaching and the discipline 
of Freemasonry, will you not say that 
the similarity is very striking? 

In conclusion we may say that Free- 
masonry is w^orking, working day and 
night. Its armories are very active. The 
daily papers report almost daily that so 
many here, and so many there have tak- 
en the degree work. It is getting to be 
very strong. The year before the abduc- 
tion of William Alorgan, the lodge felt 
itself so strong and so powerful in every 
sphere of activities, especially politics, 
that an orator spoke of the Declaration 
of Independence to be "mere sounding 
and glittering generalities," and another 
said it to be a "mere rhetorical flourish." 
At that time the lodge numbered about 
50,000. At the present time there are 
about 2,000,000 masons. 

But what is the church of God doing 
in these days ? Let it be awake and do- 
ing, or soon there will be no true church 
in this world but only the churches of 
the Anti-christ. 

We close with a quotation of Hon. W. 
H. Seward, of Civil War fame, who w^as 
asked to join a secret society: "Secret 
societies, sir? Before I would place my 
hand between the hands of other men, 
in a secret lodge, order, class or council, 
and bending on my knee before them, en- 
ter into combination wdth them for any 
object, personal or political, good or bad, 
I would pray to God that that hand and 
knee might be paralyzed, and that I 
might become an object of pity and even 
the mockery of my fellowmen. Swear, 
sir ! I am a man, an American citizen, 
a Christian, swear to submit myself to 
the guidance and direction of other men ; 
surrendering mine own judgment and my 
conscience to their keeping? No, no, 
s^irl T know nuite well the. fallibilitv of 



Mav. 1920. 



CHRiSTIAX CYNOSURE 



25 



life has been spent in breaking the bon'ls 
of the slavery of men, I, therefore know- 
too well the danger of confiding power 
to irresponsible hands, tn make myself a 
willing slave." 

EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

kK\ . W. 15. STODDARD. 

The ^larcli number of the CJiristiau 
States)iian says ■"Mornionism is a gi- 
gantic secret order in which "he mass of 
adults are bound to one another, to the 
s\stem and to its leaders by terrible 
oaths, with death penalties. These oaths 
have been testified to again and again, so 
their existence and character are beyond 
question.*" It also says "Wt do not be- 
lieve anything is gained, but much is lost 
by coddling ]\Iormonism either by speech 
or silence." An excellent article appears 
in the same number in defense of the 
"Antis." The writer says: "There are 
some causes, necessary and glorious, 
whose character and purpose are best de- 
scribed by the prefix anti, as anti-slavery, 
anti-saloon, anti-cigarette, anti-pol\g- 
amy." The fathers, in the Xational Re- 
form Movement, did not forget when 
writing of the "Antis" to put in the anti- 
lodge, ^'^lany would welcome more of 
the anti-lodge in the Christian Statesman 
of to-day. 

My program, a- outlined in my last 
report for New Y'ork and Xew Jersey, 
was largely carried out. On account of 
unfavorable weather the proposed meet- 
ing for Midland Park, Xew Jersey, was 
postponed. The Free Gospel Church, 
Corona. Long Island, showed an in- 
creased membership. Ciood audiences 
manifested their appreciation of my 
ertoris at both morning and even- 
ing services. There was a very encourag- 
ing hearing given at a meeting of St. 
Peter's Lutheran Church Men's fleeting 
in Xew Y'ork. This church is greatlv 
encouraged in their growth under the 
efficient pastorate of Rev. O. C. Mees 
The collection given by the friends at 
my lecture in the LTiited Presbyterian 
Church, Paterson, X'ew Jersey, was of 
special note. There were greenbacks, and 
silver, but no copper. Who ever heard 
of an anti-secrecy collection that did not 
include copper ! Sometimes it is mostly 
copper. Perhaps some have heard that 
copper has "'gone up." 



All things considered the Union Meet- 
ing of the Paterson Christian Reformed 
and Reformed Church Churches uniting 
in their attendance at my lecture in the 
Second Christian Reformed Church, was 
a success. Week evening lectures in 
these "driving times" are not always as 
largely attended as was this gathering. 
Several of the Dominies added cheer by 
their presence. A Sabbath spent at Pas 
saic, X^ew Jersey gave opportunity for 
worship with the Prospect Street Chris- 
tion Reformed Church in the morning, 
and the Hope Avenue Church of the 
same denomination in the evening. Both 
showed appreciation of my efforts by 
substantial contributions. 

After the usual brief stay with loved 
ones at home I came on through the 
southern Ohio route to the Hoosier state. 
I am writing in the hotel at Fort W^ayne, 
Indiana. Two Covenanter meetings were 
found at X'ew Concord and Cedarville, 
Ohio, that were enjoyed very much. At 
Concord preparation was being made 
for communion. Rev. Bert Wilson, a 
stalwart son of a noble father, was in 
the pulpit. He laid before us in a most 
eft'ective way the necessity for our re- 
pentance, confession, and forsaking of 
sins. He speaks as having authority. 
The Cedarville -congregation are rejoic- 
ing in the ministry of their new pastor, 
Rev. 'Mr. ^lacElroy. These people are 
always more than kind to the X". C. A. 
representative. The Free ]^Iethodist 
pastor at Zanesville, Ohio, had been away 
from his pulpit and felt the necessity of 
speaking some, but had compassion on 
the reform agent and gave me a good op- 
portunity to address his people and also 
his subscription to the Cynosure. The 
Lutheran and W^esleyan Methodist folks 
wanted to hear me but the time was un- 
favorable at Columbus, Ohio. I caught 
a meeting of the Ohio Synod Lutheran 
pastors on a very stormy day. As usual 
they gave me all I asked for, and hoped 
I would have great success in the much 
needed work. At Xenia, Ohio, the Cyn- 
osure subscriptions were renewed in- 
cluding the United Presbyterian Semi- 
nary, which is soon to remove to St. 
Louis, Missouri. I could not stop at 
Dayton. Ohio, and make the other points 
planned for. I learned, however, some 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



of our friends are pusliing the work 
there. 

At Richmond, Indiana, Rev. Mr. Mil- 
ler wanted to know more about our work 
and us and so took the Cynosure. Berne, 
Indiana, was found to be still on the map, 
though many houses east and west had 
been blown away in the recent tornado. 
Opportunity was given your representa- 
tive for addresses in the large Central 
Mennonite Church in the morning and 
in what is known as the Missionary 
Church in the country in the evenins^. 
There were likely two thousand people 
in attendance. When this, the largest 
Mennonite Church in this country, was 
erected, it seemed very large. It it none 
too large for their need. Some spoke of 
having recently heard Dr. C. A. Blan ch- 
ard with pleasure. My visits to the 
homes and places of business were pleas- 
ing and helpful. An old Oddfellow who 
happened to be visiting in the towm 
thought the Oddfellovv' lodge good, 
though he said, "they rejected Christ just 
like the popular churches." Another man 
was said to have left several lodges, not 
because their teaching was bad, but be- 
cause he found so many, what he called 
"skunks" there. By the way, does it 
not seem strange with the ever increasing- 
names of animals adopted by the lodges, 
the skunk should be overlooked ? It seems 
an appropriate name. He visits the hens 
in the night. With the "Pink Goats," 
"the sleeping Ground Hogs" and the 
"Snakes" organized, the skunks would 
seem to fit in well. They could make 
fraternal visits to the "Owl's nests" that 
are now so popular in some sections. 

There are many evidences that the 
strike is on here at Fort Wayne. W^ill 
men ever be satisfied again, or will they 
fight each other until they are destroyed ^ 
L'nions are reported to be fighting unions 
while potatoes are selling at six dollars a 
bushel. Can't we unite in loving one 
another and seeking each other's welfare ? 
How I wdsh some of these "haters" could 
see the loving Christ spirit that has been 
shown your representative as he has 
sought to proclaim an unpopular truth. 
I am closing the most successful year of 
my thirty-five years in the X. C. .A. work. 
If I have had any success worth noting 

:^ • 1 .„ T 1 ' Ui. 4.^ 1 . — l' 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER." 

Dear C'ynosiire : 

I am glad to be able to report again 
from ( )maha, Nel)raska. where I have 
been the past few months. 

The Sunday school lesson for April 
4th gave us a picture of God's goodness 
to the Israelites. It is indeed wonderful 
to read how God led the people of His 
church to victory as long as they obeyed 
His commandments, but when they failed 
to obey, it was not long ere the enemv 
captured them. As I taught the lesson 
I tried to make clear to my people hoAV 
much like Israel we colored folks in this 
country are. We, like the children of 
Israel, were slaves and our old fathers 
and mothers cried to God for help. God 
heard their prayers and answered and 
raised up men and women who stood 
against human slavery until its binding 
chains were broken. So we, like Israel, 
have been set free and as long as our 
forefathers served the Lord all their 
days, they were all right. Our ancestors 
were glad to preach under a tree and 
would often walk ten miles to proclaim 
the Gospel. These good men and women 
who were friends to the southern slaves, 
taught our young folks to live peaceably 
among the white people w^ho had been 
their owners, but when that generation 
died (Judges 2:10) there arose another 
generation who did not know the Lord, 
nor of the works which He had done 
for their forefathers. 

The "children of Israel did evil in the 
sight of the Lord and served Baalim." 
We know that the men and women who 
do evil and try to hide are never fullv 
successful, for though it may escape the 
eyes of men, yet God sees and hears all 
that is said and done. And then we read 
that the Israelites "followed other Gods, 
the gods of the people that were round 
about them and bowed themselves unto 
them, and provoked the Lord to anger. 
And they forsook the Lord, and served 
Baal and Ashtaroth." I said now this 
Baal God represents the Masonic lodge 
and the minor orders that have come out 
of Masonry. Baalim was to Israel what 
Masonry is to us to-day. No Christian 
can join a secret order without their 
Chricitipnifv bprnrnin.o- rorrnnted. for all 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



27 



(lay School class. One man tried to con- 
\ince me that Masonry came from the 
Bible and the other lodge man said ''Well, 
the highest cultured men we have say 
Masonry originated from the Bible." T 
said, "Yes, some of those men may have 
honest hearts, but they surely are fools 
to make such statements. Don't you 
Masonic men know there are no such 
men as Jubalo, Jubala and Jubalum men- 
tioned in the Bible ?" I then asked them 
if they knew Rev. Mr. Countee who lived 
on Patrick Avenue. They answered they 
did, and I said, ''Well, the lodge men 
killed him. Now did they learn murder 
from the Bible? If they did they must 
have followed old Herod who killed 
God's man for telling him the truth when 
he was living with his brother Philip's 
wife. Neither does God approve of your 
horrid oaths so you can not use the 
Bible as a defence for Masonry. Instead 
the Bible convicts your order and tells 
you it is wrong for a Christian to have 
fellowhip with the unfruitful works of 
darkness. God's Word is our light and 
you cannot alter it for we know His 
Word is right." 

Let the Church of God awake to her 
responsibility to save men from the evils 
of secret ism. Amen, so come quickly, 
Lord Jesus. 

Lizzie W. Roberson. 



SOUTHERN AGENT'S REPORT. 

REV. F. J . DAVIDSON. 

I find the April Cynosure brimful of 
wholesome food of the mind and heart 
and was glad to receive it. 

The Interchurch World Alovement has 
just closed a largely attended meeting in 
the old historic First Presbyterian 
Church, of antebellum fame. The late 
P). M. Palmer, D. D., who was pastor at 
that time was regarded as one of the 
most ardent defenders of southern slav- 
ery in the Presbyterian denomination. 
Ministers and laymen of several denomi- 
nations from all over Louisiana and Mis- 
sissippi were in attendance. 

Quite a sensation was caused on Mon- 
day afternoon during the stereoptico!^. 
lecture by Rev. Dr. Alexander, of Atlan- 
ta. Georgia. The negro ministers were 
seated in the balcony over the main audi- 
torium, making it very difficult to get a 
good view of the pictures or even to hear 



the speaker distinctly. Rev \\\ Scott 
Chinn, a negro pastor .of New Orleans, 
noticing the main auditorium was only 
half filled, asked from the balcony if ar- 
rangements could not be made to accom- 
modate the negro clergymen on the first 
floor, where they could both see and hear 
better. A prominent white clergyman 
arose and shouted "Remember you are 
in the South, and you must understand 
conditions here." 

Then the chairman of the meeting said. 
"We are here to bring about a united 
effort on the part of the church to win 
the world to Christianity and to make 
conditions better and not to intermeddle 
with race conditions. We accept race 
conditions as we find them and if the 
negro ministers do not like that they can 
excuse themselves." Fully one hundred 
negro ministers walked out and left the 
meeting. Aside from bearing the title 
of ambassadors of Christ, most of the 
ministers in attendance publicly displayed 
their secret lodge pins or emblems on 
their watch charms and coat lapels. After 
the meeting I had the pleasure of speak- 
ing to several of the visitors on the lodge 
question and many expressed their sym- 
pathy and promised their support 
towards the National Christian Associa- 
tion's work. 

■ I count it a blessed i)rivilege to be able 
to preach and lecture again as I have had 
an attack of la grippe and was laid up 
for twelve days. I have, however, 
preached several sermons and given a 
good many lectures, and also taught at 
the fifty-second annual session of tlie 
Louisiana Freedman's Baptist Associa- 
tion's Bible Institute for seven days. I 
spoke to gatherings ranging from two 
hundred to two thousand and all seemed 
greatly interested and eager to learn of 
the Bible truths. This Baptist Associa- 
tion has /S churches: lOO ordained min- 
isters ; i6o licentiate ministers ; 8.000 lav 
members : v$285,55o worth of church 
property, and 50 Sunday schools, with. 
3,500 enrolled scholars. They also sup- 
port and maintain a home for old folk.-- 
as well as an orphans' home. The ma- 
jority of the ministers of this association 
are young men. well trained and pre- 
pared to preach, but most of them are 
affiliated with one or more secret orders. 
Many of them have taken the higher de- 



2S 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



grees in ^Masonry rnd Oddfellowship bu^: 
I found them willing to hear the truth 
in its fullness. 

It is not a very easy task to secure cash 
subscriptions to the Cynosure at meet- 
ings of this kind, but they were very 
cordial and granted me perfect freedom 
at all their sessions and were very at- 
tentive when I spoke. At the close of the 
meeting I received cordial invitations 
from many of the leaders to call upon 
them and preach or lecture to their peo- 
ple at my convenience. 

I was glad to note from the April 
Cynosure that Sister Lizzie Woods R<':b 
erson is planning to come to New Or- 
leans for a visit. The Supreme Chancel- 
lor of the Knights of Pythias does not 
own Xew Orleans as yet, so ''Lizzie 
Woods" and other colporteurs and lec- 
turers for the N. C. A. can come to our 
city and preach the Gospel and distribute 
literature. I shall do whatever I can 
for our sister's success while she may be 
in Xew Orleans. ' ■ 



ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM 
FRIENDS. 

Rev. Adolf P. Abert, a busy man and 
pastor of the Good Hope Evangelical 
Lutheran Church of Oil City, Pennsyl- 
vania, shows the right spirit in his recent 
letter in which he writes, ''Here and 
there I have time to hurriedly scan the 
pages of the Christian Cynosure and 
a hasty glance often reveals your con- 
tinued powerful attacks against the secret 
orders. I trust that my subscription will 
help the Cause.*' 



Our good friend, Rev. H. W. W. Al- 
len writes : "There is much regarding 
the lodge, its crimes, etc., which are very 
familiar to you older men, but which is 
absolutely new to those who have only 
seen the light in recent years. 'The Ex- 
positor,' published by F. M. Barton, 
Cleveland, Ohio, printed my testimony 
in its November issue, page 158, 'Fra- 
ternal Man Converted.' It was of ne- 
cessity short, but I trust it may set some 
lodge preacher to thinking. I am pray- 
ing that God will deliver the members 
of my church from this delusion and 
snare of Satan." 

From a correspondent in Arkansas. 



who has recently become acquainted with 
our work, we received the following good 
words : "Upon receiving a samply copv 
of the Christian Cynosure last fall. I 
became so well pleased with it that I 
subscribed for the magazine, and also 
ordered a few sample copies for distribu- 
tion. In 1898 I joined the 'Woodmen of 
the World' and carried a $1,000 policy in 
it until January ist, 1920, when the rate 
on my insurance was raised from $12 to 
$48 per year. Then I ordered Mr. Holt's 
book on the Woodmen of the World and 
read it, and now I have several good 
reasons for leaving the lodge. I have 
promised the Lord that I will never again 
join another secret order and I am thor- 
oughly convinced they are all wrong and 
should be exposed. I believe the lodges 
are a curse to the individual, the home, 
the Church, and the nation. What puz- 
zles me, is the fact that most of our 
prominent men in church and state are 
members of one or more secret orders, 
including Masons, Oddfellows and W. O. 
W. But I am glad to note in a recent 
issue of the Cynosure that there are sev- 
eral denominations who do not admit 
lodge members into their fellowship. T 
believe the various secret societies are 
branches of Satan's church and he no 
doubt has deceived many of the 'elect.' 
I also believe that oathbound secret so- 
cieties are un-American and unchristian 
and therefore a menace to society. Not 
long ago a preacher in whom I have had 
great confidence said, 'all Masons are not 
good men, but all good men are Masons,' 
but I do not agree with him, in that. 
Others apologize for the lodge by say- 
ing 'they are doing things for humanity 
that the churches ought to do, but will 
not do." (Think of "good men" doing 
exactly what Christ told them not to do 
— swear by their head.) 



Rev. J. T. Arthur, a minister of the 
Church of Gods, writes : "We have heard 
time and again members of the Red Men, 
Modern Woodmen, and the Grange say, 
that the Masons were evil and it is un- 
becoming for a Christian to belong to 
them, 'but our lodge helps one to live a 
Christian life and T think one can be a 
better Christian by becoming a member 
of our lodge.' When people talk that 
way they are deceived. 



Alay, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



29 



"Now, I believe if we will turn our 
attention to the minor lodges and show 
them up in the Light' of the Gospel, as 
Masonry has been exposed, then we will 
do more good. Masonry has been proven 
since the days of Morgan to be a child of 
the Devil. Now let us take up these 
minor lodges, one at a time, the Grange 
or Woodmen, for instance. Though 
these orders are small compared with 
Masonry, yet we must remember that it 
is also 'the little foxes that spoil the 
vines.' " (Minor orders have the old 
fox — Masonry^ — as their mother and are 
naturally like her in character.) 



A FRIEND TO MAN. 

There are hermit souls tliat live withdrawn 

In the place of their self-content, 
There are souls like stars that dwell apart 

In a fellowless firmament ; 
There are pioneer souls that blaze a path 

Where highways never ran; 
Let me live in a house by the side of the road, 

And be a friend to man. 
Let me live in a house by the side of the road, 

Where the race of rnen go by — 
The men that are good, the men that are bad — 

As good and as bad as I. 
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat 

Or hurl the cynic's ban? 
Let me live in a house by the side of the road, 

And be a friend to man. 

I see from my house by the side of the road — 

By the side of the highway of life — 
The men that press on with the ardor of hope 

And the men that are faint with the strife ; 
And I turn not away from their smiles and 
their tears — 

Both part of an Infinite plan — 
Let me live in the house by the side of the 
road, 

And be a friend to man. 

Let me live in a house by the side of the road. 

Where the race of men go by. 
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, 
they are strong, 

Wise, foolish ; so am I — 
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat. 

Or hurl the cynic's ban? 
Let me live in a house by the side of the road. 

And be a friend to man. 

— Sam IFolter Pass. 



There is nothing more pitiful than a 
Hfe spent in thinking of nothing but 
self. — Selected. 



See then that ye walk circumspectly, 
not as fools, but as wise ; redeeming the 
time, because the days are evil.— E/'//. 



TRUSTED TO PRAYER. 

BY W. J. BENNETT. 
"... for as soon as Zion travailed, she 
brought forth her children." Isa. 66 :8. 

"Prayer was made without ceasing for him."' 
Acts 12:5. 

"Howbeit, this kind goeth not out but by 
prayer and fasting." Matt. 17:21. 

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous 
man availeth much." Jas. 5 :16. 

Contrary to the idea of many ''Work- 
ers" of the kingdom, Prayer is the most 
needed work to-day and the most ef- 
fectual instrument in the hands of men. 

Said an evangelist of national repute, 
'T find no lack of evangelistic machinery, 
all perhaps good in its way, but my 
greatest desire, and most difficult to find, 
are men who know how to hold on to 
God in prayer." 

In 1904 the whole world stood para- 
lyzed with w^onder at a mighty outpour- 
ing of the Holy Spirit in a revival, wdiich 
for its scope as well as power was second 
to none the world has ever seen; but 
while it was at its height there came a 
call to "hidden prayer" for the young 
man strikingly used of God for its rise 
and continuance, so heeding the voice of 
G.od above the call of religious popular- 
ity he disappeared from public life and 
''retired to pray" ; for more than eleven 
years has this prayer struggle been lived 
through ; misunderstood, abused and 
slandered by friend and foe, this ''servant 
of God" has learned how to die to the 
praise of the religious world so that he 
may travail in prayer for other workers 
and souls. 

"W asted years," I imagine some say- 
ing, but only those who think little of 
prayer and who do not know the value 
of prayer in their own lives can ever 
voice such a doubt in the efficiencv o.*" 
prayer. 

Said a skeptical btisiness man to hi- 
saintly little wife, "I could live a good 
life as well as your pastor if I had 
nothing to do all day but pray and read." 



30 



CHRlSTIAxN CYNOSURE 



May, 1920. 



Those who think of prayer as this man 
thought of prayer as being nothing but 
an iteration and reiteration of words 
have little sense of its value. The 
w^orld values deeds, but God values 
prayer, and indeed He who is the foun- 
tainhead of all knowledge knows that 
prayer accomplishes the impossible, be- 
cause prayer moves the otherwise im- 
movable God. 

If the church could have more prayer- 
ful hidden ones, more power would be 
given the busy public workers who are 
"God-called" and there would be healthy 
children born into the kingdom of God 
instead of the spiritually weak, deformed 
or still born ones with which the 
churches are crowded. 

]Mr. Chas. G. Finney, of whose work 
it was estimated more than 85 per cent 
remained true, could not have been so 
successful if prayer by himself and oth- 
ers had not been the mainspring of his 
super-human efiforts; his was not a 
''worked up" revival by the aid of trained 
soloists, large choirs and brass bands ; 
but it was a ''prayed down" revival by 
dreadful agony of soul; such a prayed 
down revival will stand the test of time, 
for its fruit will remain, but where per- 
sonality, advertising, card signing or oth- 
er professional machinery is used instead 
of mighty prevailing prayer there must 
come a tremendous reaction in a short 
time which brings a tide of skepticism to 
the unbeliever and perplexes the children 
of God. 

The waiter was once told by a lady 
evangelist, who is known in both the old 
world, as well as the new world religious 
circles, of her sorrow in the discovery 
of the fruitlessness of most of her work, 
and in some places none remained after 
her absence from three to five months. 
Surely this should be occasional instead 
of being common as the case seems to be. 

Thinking so little of prayer, but so 
much of public ministry, it is only nat- 



ural to discover so few men and women 
willing to enter the secret closet alone 
with God, and there, wrestling in mighty 
intercessory prayer move the wheels of 
the universe toward the eternal consum- 
mation of His desire, 

''. . . The eyes of the Lord run to 
and fro throughout the whole earth, to 
show Himself strong in the behalf of 
them whose heart is perfect toward him" 
is not the occasional, but the general at- 
titude of God. 

The reason why there are so few w^ho 
pray is because men think it is the easiesi 
thing to do; while the fact is "Praying is 
w^orking" in the truest and hardest sense ; 
we make prayer easy because we do not 
wrestle until we prevail against the 
mighty malignant forces of evil inter- 
cepting our communion with God ; the 
spiritual deceiver is not literal to 
most Christians and they do not 
consider his emissaries the invidious 
creatures they really are ; hence a 
few words twice or sometimes only 
once a day is considered prayer by them 
and they consider it is in answer to their 
prayers that life flows on so calmly and 
unruffled, while the truth is the Devil 
cares nothing for prayers that do not 
assail his kingdom, and why should he 
worry about souls already Delonging to 
him? For the prayerless man is a careless 
man, therefore a lost soul. 

God's people can prevail only when 
some Moses shall Hft up holy hands to 
heaven ; whenever the praying ones fail 
there must be that less power among the 
workers of God, then comes the fatal 
spurious revivals with counterfeit dem- 
onstrations and power. 

The churches to-day are not powerless 
because they have accepted German Ra- 
tionalism, Higher Criticism ( ?) or Pan- 
theism, these are simply the "effects" o^ 
a prayerless church and not the "Cause" 
of it; the "cause" is to be found in a 
prayerless circle ; they have not obeyec! 



May, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



31 



the Master's injunction to "Watch and 
pray," they cannot believe the Lord's 
promise of His answering beUeving 
prayer therefore they hold Him a liar ; 
and while God answers only condition- 
ally He cannot break His divine law by 
answering "vain repetitions.'' 

The question among God's children 
should not be "will God grant it?" but 
"Am I in the right attitude to expect an 
answer?"* God's promise is to the 
"righteous" man, i. e., the right livine; 
man, and not to the man indifferent to 
his own moral and spiritual standing. 
Jas. 5:16. 

God's answer to prayer is conditional, 
for while Jesus said "Ask and ye shall 
receive'' and "If two of you shall agree 
on earth as touching anything that they 
shall ask, it shall be done for them of 
my Father which is in heaven." They 
must "Do His will" before the promise 
can be fulfilled ; they should also "believe 
they have it," even if the physical evi- 
dence is not there, believing that He is 
faithful who promised ; also God, "know^- 
ing what you have need of before you 
ask Him," for your own safety, grants 
only that need : Jesus understood the 
conditions of answered prayer and so in 
the darkest hour of the Garden he must 
needs pray "Not my will but thine be 
done" ; having met the conditions of 
answered prayer and ascertained God's 
will in the matter, i. e., whether it does 
not break God's ordained law, for in- 
stance (when praying for the conversion 
of another, remember God will answer 
prayer as far as His law^ allows ; but He 
cannot break His law of "moral agency" 
in compelling the person's "will" God- 
ward). These conditions being met, the 
intercessor accepts the fulfillment of 

♦Walking in all the light, i. e., Living with- 
out known sin. 

God's promise since there is nothing in 
hell or earth which can intercept the 
answer. 



Many leaders have been teaching t]">'-ir 
followers the wrong meaning o!" 
"wrestling in prayer" by holding up the 
beautiful illustration of Jacob's wrestling 
with God as an incentive of their also 
"wrestling with God in prayer" ; whereas 
the truth of the matter is, Jacob received 
the blessing only after he was forced to 
stop his wrestling and humbly petition 
the blessing; to wrestle with God is to 
hinder and reject Him, i. e., we wrestle 
with Cjod only by refusing to obey : while 
the answer will come if we persist in 
asking until the mighty forces of evil are 
conquered by the answer to our prayer. 

Daniel beseeched God for three weeks 
before the answer came, yet God sent 
the answer at the first moment of his 
petition ; but the angel messenger was 
intercepted by the malicious evil Spirit 
and for three weeks the battle raged be- 
tween a praying saint on earth allied 
with the Archangel — against the com- 
bined forces of the pit ; prayer indeed 
"moves creation" not only in the material 
sphere but in the spiritual realm, and he 
who truly prays is the center of earth's 
destiny. 

God seeks to-day a man who is hum- 
ble enough, and dead enough to ambi- 
tion, and righteous enough in the sight 
of God, and faithful enough to believe 
God's promises, and so is able to stand 
"in the gap" and be trusted in the 
prayer-conflict against Satan and his 
hosts until he prevails. 

Shall this man be You? 



The vilest sinner out of hell, 
That lives to feel his need. 

Ls welcome to a Throne of Grace, 
The Savior's Blood to plead, 

— Selected. 



I have never read in the Scripture of 
God of such a place as purgatory, nor 
yet believe I there is anything that can 
purge the souls of men but the Blood of 
Jesus Christ. — Patrick Hamilton^ Mar- 
tyr. 



STANDARD WORKS 

ON 

SECRET SOCIETIES 

MODERN PROPHETS of BAAL 

OR 

; WATCHMEN on ZION'S WALLS 

By President C. A. Blanchard. 

This is a tract especially intended for ministers. The term Baalism in referring to 
Masonry is used figuratively. *' If we say Lord to any one who is not God, then we 
are worshipers of Baal and if we, who are religious teachers, call any one Lord 
except the true God, then we are prophets of Baal." This tract, in addition to setting 
forth the real relation of Masonic ministers to a heathen system, also gives the reasons 
why Christian preachers become prophets of Baal. 

In the appendix there is a chapter on Masonic Theology, taken from Mackey's "Masonic 
Ritualist", the author being the well known Past General Grand High Priest of the General 
Grand Chapter of the United States. There is also A Word to Bible Students, by Dean 
J. M. Gray, D. D., of the Moody Bible Institute, and there is a page of Bible quotations 
which are important in this connection. 

Thirty-two pages; Single copies three cents, per hundred, $2.00 postpaid. 

Address 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago Ills. 



Knights of Columbus 

ILLUSTRATED 

A COMPLETE RITUAL AND HISTORY OF THE FIRST 
THREE DEGREES, INCLUDING ALL SECRET 
"WORK", FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY A FORMER 
MEMBER OF THE ORDER. 

This work gives the proper position of each officer during the 
meetings, the proper manner of conducting the business of 
the Knights of Columbus, order of opening and closing 
of the Lodge, dress of candidates, ceremony of initiation; giving 
the signs, grips, pass words, etc. Convenient pocket size. 

Paper Covers - - - $ .75 
Cloth - - - - 1.00 

National Christian Association 

850 W. Madison Street CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 




VOL. LIII 



CHICAGO, JUNE, 1920 



No. 2. 




OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAR 



A'OL. LIII. No. 



CHICAGO 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

PubUshed Monthly by the National Christian 
Association. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE— Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribe for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In such cases. If we are advised 
that a subscription is a. present and not regTJ* 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wi 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should be addressed to 
Wm. I. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 

Entered aa Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 
Rt the Post Office at Chicago, lU., under Act of 
Vlarsa 3, 1879. 



CONTENTS 



Are You Coming ? . 35 

Honored for which Reason ? 35 

New Catholic Union 36 

Secrecy's Grip on Massachusetts 36 

The North American Union 37 

Knights of Pythias 37 

Girl Injured by Hazing 37 

National Clerical Union 37 

Lafayette and the K. of C.—Fortnightlv. . . 

Rcviczv (Catholic) \ 37 

An International Review of Secret Socie- 
ties 38 

AreYou Intolerant?— T/i^ Sunday School 

Times 38 

Request for Prayer, by W. E. Hawkins, 

Jr., Evangelist 38 

Prophets of Baal Officiate at Masonic Meet- 
ing 39 

Lodge and Pulpit Fellowship, by Dr. Th. 

Schmauk , 30 

Worth Heeding .■ 40 

Injured — St. Louis Star 41 

Killed — Lincoln Republican 41 

He Cheated the Lord 41 

Minister Members of Secret Societies, by 

Rev. Allan Crabtree 42 

The American Christian Daily 42 

The Moody Bible Institute. "Why we Ac- 
cept the Challenge of a Life of Christian 

Service" 43 

Our Present Day Attitude Toward the 
Lodge, by Rev. J. R. Graebner 40 



The Camels are Coming, by Dr. Jesse W. 

Brooks 52 

When the Enemy Triumphs — The Sunday 

School Times 53 

Secret Societies, by Wm. J. Bennett 53 

Baalized Religion, by P. A. G 55 

The Need in Germany 56 

News of Our Work: 

Iowa Christian Association — Report of 
Committee on Resolutions 56, 

Impressions — Iowa Convention 56 

Contributions 58 

Eastern Secretary's Report, by Rev. W. 
B. Stoddard 58 

"Lizzie Woods' Letter" by Mrs. L. W. 
Roberson 59 

Southern Agent's Report, by Rev. F. J. 

Davidson 60 

' From Our Mail 61 

Testimonies of Statesmen 62 

Testimonies of Evangelists 63 



NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 
Vice-President, Rev. J. H. B. Williams ; 

Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. I. 
Phillips. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

M. P. F. Doermann, Thomas C. Mc- 
Knight, D. S. Wfvrner, C. A. Blanchard, 
P. A. Kittilsby, H. A. Fischer, Jr., 
George Slager, A. H. Leaman, George 
W. Bond, J. H. Hoekstra and H. J. 
Kuiper. 

LECTURERS. 

Those desiring lectures or addresses 
may write to any of the speakers named 
below : 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 
Falls Church, Virginia 

Rev. Adam Murrman, Slatington, Pa. 

Rev. J. B .Van den IToek, Hills, Minn. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 
Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24th 
St., Argenta, Ark. 

Pres. C. A. Blanchard, Wheaton, 111 



m 

There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
saved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus answerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have I 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 



ARE YOU COMING? 
Remember the Date — June 10th. 

Are you questioning whether it wih 
be worth while ? This is what one friend 
wrote, following a former Annual Meet- 
ing: 

"Oh, Brother Phillips, what a feast of 
good things w^e had at the Convention ! 
To me it was like rain on a parched soil. 
Not like souls coming to Christ, but the 
refrain was 'Victory !' 'Victory !' or over- 
coming through Christ. Surely the Lord 
was present." 

We meet at ten o'clock in the morning 
in the Fourteenth Street Christian Re- 
formed Church. The Halsted Street 
cars, No. 8, No. 13, or No. 18, through 
route, cross Fourteenth Street, at which 
point a transfer may be taken west to 
Throop Street. 

This is the special time of the year 
for public gatherings. Synods, confer- 
ences and conventions are the order of 
the day. A choice must be made. Should 
you not weigh the importance of each, 
and give your presence where it will 
count for the most? An enemy within 
the church is today its greatest adver- 
sary. 

Are you coming to the Annual Meet- 
insf ? 



My sheep hear My voice, and I know 
them, and they follow me. — John 10:27. 

True sheep know the voice of their 
shepherd. It is a sick sheep that will 
follow a stranger. The goats will 
follow anybody's voice ; but Jesus is the 
only One whom it is safe to follow in 
all things. If you follow Abraham you 
are apt to get to lying; if you follow 
Moses you are apt to lose your temper ; 
if you follow Elijah you'll get discour- 
aged and sit down under the juniper 
tree ; but follow Jesus Christ and you 



will find that you are led in the path of 
righteousness and peace. — D. L. Moody. 



Our program for June loth next in 
the Fourteenth Street Christian Re- 
formed Church contains the names of 
Rev. John F. Heemstra, Reformed 
Church; Rev. A. W. Safiford, Congre- 
gational Church ; Rev. John R. Klein, 
Free-Methodist. Church; Prof. J. R. 
Shaffer, Moody Bible Institute ; Rev. W. 
J. Bennett, Methodist Episcopal Church ; 
Rev. G. W. Hylkema, Christian Re- 
formed Church; Rev. H. W. W. Allen, 
whom God led out of bondage from the 
Secret Empire in a wonderful way. Pres. 
Charles A. Blanchard, Secretary W. B. 
Stoddard, and others will also be pres- 
ent. Are you coming? 



\Tce-President Marshall was rather 
severe on his brother Masons in the 
Senate when he declared one day last 
month before the A'irginia Bar Associa- 
tion that the Prohibition Amendment 
would not have received twenty votes if 
the canvass had been taken behind 
closed doors. Our Masonic \'ice-Pres- 
ident ought to know whether ^Masons 
can be trusted behind closed doors to 
serve the country or the liquor interests. 
Evidentlv he does not trust them. 



Some men act upon the principle that 
a lie persistently adhered to is as good 
as the truth. The labor imions of Quin- 
cy. 111., declared war last month on the 
"open shop" because ''it is un-American 
and contrary to the spirit of free institu- 
tions." 



HONORED FOR WHICH REASON? 

At the formal decoration of Admiral 
Bt^nson with the Grand Cross of the 
Order of 5^t. Gregorv, Cardinal Gibbons 
said that "the Holy Father, in bestowing 
this .mark of his special favor, desires io 



36 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



emphasize the truth that loyahy to one's 
country is a Christian virtue ; that an 
otticer in command is the guardian of a 
sacred trust, that authority committed to 
him nuist be used in obedience to con- 
stituted authority ; that his duty is not 
to reason why, but if necessary to die." 
The papal letter read upon the occa- 
sion merely says that the Admiral was 
honored by the Holy See because, ac- 
cording to the testimony of the Bishop 
of Charleston, he had "set his fellow- 
citizens a most worthy example of piety 
and Christian virtue, and had defended 
and furthered the Catholic cause to the 
best of his'abiHty." Amcrika asks: "For 
which of the reasons assigned was Mr. 
Benson reallv honored?" 



NEW CATHOLIC UNION. 

The American Federation of Catholic 
Societies is a lay organization composed 
of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic 
Order of Foresters, Knights of St. John, 
Associated Catholic Charities of Chi- 
cago, and many other similar bodies 
throughout the country. This was de- 
cided upon at the closing session of the 
annual convention of the federation at 
the Hotel La Salle. 

The Rev. John Schrembs, bishop of 
Toledo, supervisor of laymen activities 
in the Catholic church, is the moving 
spirit behind the new program. A gen- 
eral meeting is planned for next Septem- 
])er. at which progress will be reported 
and a still wider Americanization pro- 
gram mapped out. 



SECRECY'S GRIP ON MASSACHU- 
SETTS. 

The legislature of the Bay State has 
a total of 280 members; of these 113 are 
]\Tason<i, or 40 per cent of the whole. 

The Masons of Massachusetts are 
only about 2 per cent of the population 
and they are holding 40 per cent of the 
state offices. What an example is this 
of a small minority of the population 
ruling the majority : A minority under 
oaths to each other which Ex-President 
John Quincy Adams of this very state 
said, cannot by any possibility be recon- 
ciled to the laws of morality or of the 
land. Another distinguishcfl citizen of 
this state. Daniel Webster, speaking of 
^lasonry said that its obligations are 



entirely incomparable with the duty of 
good citizens. 

The success of Masons in securing 
offices can be accounted for only by the 
persistent efforts of the fraternity to ob- 
tain such public places. The Masons are 
professionally opponents politically of 
the Catholics. Evidently they need the 
officers for themselves. 

The Boston Evening Transcript had a 
lengthy article on the composition of 
the present legislature from which wc 
take the following: 

our legislature a form of social iniluencc 
which had little part in the affairs of Mas- 
sachusetts as ail English colony or as an 
early American state. This is the influence 
of the secret, fraternal, or benevolent so- 
ciety or order. 

It would seem to be the case that in 
order to be elected to the General Court 
(Mass. Legislature), or to attain influence 
in it after one gets there, a man must be- 
long to one or another of these orders. 

In the Senate there are eighteen Masons, 
and in the House ninety-five; nine senators 
and fifty-three representatives are Odd Fel- 
lows; and there is a good following in both 
bodies of the Knights of Pythias, Knights 
of Columbus, Patrons of Husbandry, Red 
Men, United Workmen, Elks, Moose, Hi- 
bernians, Eagles, Owls and Tigers. In 
order to be a successful state politician, it 
seems to be essential to be a "j'iner." One 
very influential representative, for example, 

Mr. N , of Lynn, i: at one and the same 

time a Mason (a Knight Templar), a Knight 
of Pythias, an Odd Fellow, a Red Man, a 
United Workman and an Elk. 

These are lawless times and no wonder 
since our legislatures and courts are ad- 
ministered by men with two or more 
oaths binding them — one to their clan 
and the other to the public. Which one 
will he hold to and which disregard 
when the test comes, no man can tell. 
Satan is called the lawless one and he is 
certainly in the saddle, but he is a 
usurper and his time is short. 

In the meantime what shall we do? 
As a rule we should refuse to vote for 
a lodge man, and, if possible, protest 
to the candidate against his sworn re- 
lationship to a clan or class as in bad 
keeping with his duty to all the people. 
Wc are persuaded that a great change 
for the better is not far distant, and for 
this we hope and pray. 



Our Lx)irl Jesus Christ, who hath 
blessed us with all spiritual blessings 
" '•' -^ in Christ. — Eph. i •.^. 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



?>7 



The Mystic Shriner initiates on No- 
vember 2 1st, 1919, in Pittsburgh, num- 
bered 1,671. An exchange says : "Mul- 
tiply that number by one hundred dol- 
lars initiation fee and you will get the 
exact amount the gang had to spend in 
one evening." v$ 167, 100.00. 



THE NORTH AMERICAN UNION. 

The North American Union, with 
headquarters dt 56 West Randolph 
Street, Chicago, organizes lodges having 
for their motto "One for all, and all for 
one." ■ Their membership is composed 
of Jews, Protestants and Catholics. They 
are organized on the fraternal insurance 
plan. Their literature is not generally 
for the pubhc. Any white male of the 
proper age, who passes the medical ex- 
amination may become a member of this 
organization. They have prayers, and 
a burial service, but no Chaplains, we are 
told. Their representative stated that 
they did "not interfere with any man's 
religion."' 



KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

The order claims 7,000 local lodges 
which means 7,000 Prelates and 7.000 
altars to Baal. These lodges are said 
to have a total of 720,000 members. TJic 
Uniform Rank, the secret military or- 
ganization of the Pythians, is a menace 
to our civil institutions as is seen from 
a clause in the oath to "hold a Sir 
Knight's secret inviolable." The Knights 
of Khorassaii is the secret organization 
of the Pythians for jollity, fandangos 
and high jinks. TJic Pyfhiaii' Sisters is 
the female order and said to have some 
200,000 mem1)ers. 



GIRL INJURED BY HAZING. 

Northwestern University Freshman Falls 

Three Stories. 

(Special to The World.) 
Chicago, March 17. — Hazing at 
Xurthwestern Cniversitx' resulted toda}- 
in a tragic incident. Elizal)cth Chap- 
man, })resident of the freshman class, 
was kidna]:)ped last night from her home 
in Evanston by \>rnic Carroll, presi- 
dent of the so])homore class, assisted 
by Joseph Chithrie, member of the same 
class. Miss Chapman was rdxlucted lo 
prevent her apjx^arance at a St. Patrick- 
festival of the freshmen. The two men 
used a motor car. She was bound with 



rope and taken to the home of George T. 
Krosen, whose daughter Elizabetth as- 
sisted in the kidnapping. 

]\Iiss Chapman was locked in a bed- 
room. She made a rope of bed clothes. 
The room was on the third floor. Miss 
Chapman seized the improvised rope and 
started to descend. Her weight broke 
the rope and she fell three stories to the 
sidewalk. She was found unconscious 
and badly injured. 



NATIONAL CLERICAL UNION. 

A new union, the first of its kind in the 
world, to be known as the National Cler- 
ical Union, is being organized in London 
by Rev. C. Lloyd Evans. The object of 
the union will be to obtain a living wage 
for clergymen, and will advocate pen- 
sions for ministers retiring at the age of 
seventv. 



LAFAYETTE AND THE K. OF C. 

A writer in Reedy's Mirror having in- 
timated that the Knights of Columbus 
in proposing to erect a monument to 
Lafayette in Metz, were perhaps not 
aware of the fact that Lafayette was a 
Freemason, Dr. John G. Coyle, of New 
York, writes that the Knights are not 
ignorant of this circumstance, but that 
in erecting this monument they are pac- 
ing tribute not to Lafayette the Mason, 
but to Lafayette the friend of the United 
States. 

Which may satisfy many ; but when 
the doctor pretends to find, in the mat- 
ter of Freemasonry, a resemblance be- 
tween the case of Theodore Roose^'elt 
and Lafayette, and tries to show that a 
great American Catholic organization 
may honor Lafayette, although he wa< 
a Mason, just as logically as it may hon- 
or Roosevelt, who also was a member 
of the craft, he adds nothing to the 
strength of his argument. Rather he 
weakens it. for the two cases are not 
at all similar. Roosevelt never was a 
Catholic, and therefore his joining Free 
Masonry involved no apostasy, whereas 
Lafayette was a Cathofic in his youth, 
although later, like so many Frenchmen 
of his time, he 1:)ecame a "freethinker." 

And. b\ the way, in \iew of this, it 
is ratlier surj^rising to find the P)OSton 
Pilot, of April 17, referring to Lafayette 
as :y Catholc in an editorial commending 



38 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



the erection of the aforesaid statue in 
]Metz. Lafayette was a Cathohc in his 
childhood, hut of his Catholicity later 
on the less said the better. To flaunt 
him as a Catholic hero coming to the 
help of our struggling colonies is ab- 
sured. Read what Hilaire Belloc has to 
say in his book "The French Revolu- 
tion."' — The Fortnightly Review. 



AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF 
SECRET SOCIETIES. 

The Rez'ue Internationale des Soeietes 
Seeretes, which we used to quote so fre- 
quently in pre-war days, has been resur- 
rected. It had to suspend publication at 
the beginning of the war for the reason 
that, as the editor now informs us, the 
censorship seriously interfered with its 
telling the truth. 

The Revue will appear quarterly in- 
stead of bi-monthly until further notice. 
Its careful perusal is essential to all who 
wish to understand the hidden forces 
incessantly at work to subvert Christian 
civilization (and who can do his full duty 
without understanding these sinister 
forces?) 

La Revue des Societies Seeretes col- 
lects together all the evidences of the 
workings of secret societies and shows 
who are their chief upholders and what 
means they employ. 

The current issue (Vol. IX, No. i) 
contains much interesting information on 
the role which Freemasonry played in 
the late war, on the close connection ex- 
isting between Freemasonry and Theos- 
ophy, and a variety of other equally im- 
portant subjects. 

The office of the Revue is at 96 Boule- 
vard Malesherbes, Paris XVIIe, France. 
The subscription price for foreign coun- 
tries is 25 fr. per annum. — Fortnightly 
Reviezv. 



ARE YOU INTOLERANT? 

To be intolerant is to be like God. 
God does not, He cannot, tolerate any- 
thing that is, by even a hair's-breath, op- 
posed to holiness. He may be very pa- 
tient and long-suffering with the person 
who is sinning; but that is in order to 
save that person, if possible, from the sin 
that God cannot tolerate ])ecause He is 
God. So we fmd that the Spirit-fihed 
Spirit-directed writers of the New Tes- 
tament were all intolerant men : utterly 



intolerant of every form of error and un- 
belief and false teaching and sin. A 
thoughtful, veteran Christian was asked 
about a widely-known and very popular 
preacher. "He is too agreeable a man,'' 
was the reply ; "he agrees with every 
one." We cannot agree with every one 
if we agree with God. That is why our 
Lord Jesus Himself said: "Woe unto 
you, when all men shall speak well of 
you ! for in the same manner did their 
fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 
6:26). — The Sunday School Times. 

REQUEST FOR PRAYER. 

Polytechnic, Texas, Box 236, 

May 15th, 1920. 
The Christian Cynosure : 
Dear Mr. Phillips, Editor : 

Maurice M. Johnson and I are to- 
gether in Evangelistic • work for souls, 
that our Christ may get the glory through 
the Holy Spirit. We have accepted the 
truth about the lodges as contained in 
"Secret Societies," by Dr. Blanchard, 
and also as set forth each month in your 
excellent paper, The Christian Cyno- 
sure. In each one of our meetings we 
give a clear full testimony against the 
lodge in the way that God seems to di- 
rect. On our book stand Ave have Dr. 
Blanchard's book, "Modern Secret So- 
cieties." I have come to believe after 
careful study that the cause of our 
Christ has no greater foe in the world 
than secret societies with their pagan re- 
ligions. They have a Christ without a 
riven side, and their hearts, the mem- 
1)ers seem to think, are cleansed without 
the washing of the precious blood by the 
Holy Spirit. 

Our Church, the Southern Methodist, 
to our shame, is being strangled by the 
teachings of the lodge. My official con- 
nection is Conference Evangelist of the 
Central Texas Conference. I write this 
letter to ask you and the readers of the 
Cynosure to please send at least one 
prayer to God, through the Name of 
Jesus, that we may do a full work under 
God against this subtle foe. We need 
guidance so that we do not root up the 
wheat with the tares ; we need much 
wisdom to know when to fight in the 
open, and when lo fight quietly; we need 
God's special protection from the Evil 
One who occupies the strategic position 
of the High Places and who marks for 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



39 



dealli all tliuse who knmv and tight liis 
subtle schemes ; we do not need pity, 
but co-operation in the work of prayer 
that we may all rejoice together after- 
while. 

"And they overcame him l)y the 
P>LOOD CiF THE LAMB, and by the 
word of their testimony ; and they loved 
not their lives unto the death." Rev. 
12:11. Shall we pray for each other? 
Sincerely in Christ, 

W. E. Hawkins, Jr. 

John 3 :i6. 

We most earnestly urge that this re- 
quest be heeded and that their names and 
work be kept on the intercessory prayer 
list of those who are thus co-workers 
with God. Editor. 



PROPHETS OF BAAL OFFICIATE AT 
MASONIC MEETING. 

We give the above as especially fitting 
for the following items found in the 
Long Island Star. — Editor. 

Mizpah Lodge of jNIasons will have 
a '"reverends" night Thursday. E^■ery 
station is to be filled by a clergyman. This 
unusual program was arranged in honor 
of the Rev. H. B. Belcher, pastor of the 
Elmhurst Methodist Church, Vvho will i^e 
raised to the degree of Master Mason that 
evening. James E. Willcox is master of 
llie Lodge. 

Queens members of the clergy who will 
occupy stations are: 

Rev. Thomas H. AIcKenzie of Flushing, 
Senior Warden; Rev. Minard L. G. Proper 
of Corona AI. E. Church, Junior Warden; 
Rev. Howard Northacker, Elmhurst Pres- 
l)yterian Church, Junior Deacon; Rev. F, P. 
Corson, Jackson Heights M. E. Church, 
Junior Master of Ceremonies; Rev. John G. 
Bosshart, Zion Church, Elmhurst, Senior 
Steward; Rev. Charles A. Brown, All Saints 
Episcopal Church. Bayside, Junior Steward; 
Rev. Benjamin ALottram, St. Paul's Epis- 
copal Church, College Point, Chaplain; Rev. 
II. Lonsdale, St. George's Episcopal Church, 
Astoria, ^Marshal. 

The historical lecture will be delivered by 
the Rev. Charles A. Brown of Bayside. 



One of the largest meetings of the past 
year of Mizpah Lodge of Masons was held 
Thursday evening in the lodge room in 
Arcanum 1 Fall when clergymen occupied 
every station during the conferring of the 
third degree. 

Li the master's chair was the Rev. Oscar 
Treder of the Episcopal Cathedral at Gar- 
den City, formerly district deputy of the First 
Masonic District. 

The clergy were given a hearty welcome 
by James Willcox, master of the lodge. Vis- 
iting Masons were present from Long 



Island City, b lushing, Kidge\vo(j<l, (Jollegc 
Point, Jamaica and Forest Hills. 

An address on Masonry was made by the 
Rev. Dr. Charles A. Brown, rector of All 
Saints' Episcopal Church of Bayside, for- 
merly grand chaplain of the State of Xew 
York. 

One of the five new mem1)ers who were 
received in the final degree at last night's 
meeting was the Rev. Harry Brown Belcher, 
former pastor of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Elmhurst, who, after seven years 
here, leaves today to take up his pastorate 
at Aliddletown, Conn. 

A collation was enjoyed at the conclusion 
of the meeting. 

"No Man Can Serve Two Masters." 

The Rev. H. B. Belcher will remove to 
his new pastorate at Middletown, Conn., 
on Saturday. He was present at the prayer 
meeting on Wednesday evening and last 
evening he was in town for the purpose of 
receiving his final degree with the local 
lodge of ]\fasons. 



LODGE AND PULPIT FELLOWSHIP. 

By Dr. Th. Schmauk. 
A Statement. 

1. The attaching one's self to any 
life-brotherhood outside of the brother- 
hood in Christ with principles and rules 
of obedience which may or may not be 
in conflict with the Church of Christ, 
but which operates independently of it, 
sets up a divided allegiance. 

Our Saviour said emphatically, "Xo 
man can serve two masters" ; and it is 
especially true of the minister, who is 
under solemn vow to obey Christ alone, 
and who is the official representative of 
the Church of Christ in all relations, that 
there are many situations which will di- 
vide his allegiance. A whole-souled loy- 
alty to two life-covenants, each claiming 
to be supreme in any field, even though 
neither in itself be harmful, is impos- 
sible. 

2. Secret and selective organizations 
of a few among the many is un-Amer- 
ican, and is a relic of Old World and 
aristocratic medievalism. America stands 
for openness and publicity in all associa- 
tive action and for equality in fraternity. 
The Gospel itself breaks down walls of 
special partition in the brotherhood of 
men. Fraternity in special privilege, 
especially when combined with secrecy 
of direction and the hidden use of influ- 
ence, is against the spirit of democracy, 
which stands on public 'and open merit. 
The world is to-day seeking to rid itself 
of covenants, cabals, treaties, and broth- 



40 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



erliouds that operate by private and se- 
cret understanding, that block square 
deals without assigning the reason why, 
that do not open the door of opportun- 
ity freely and equally to every one of 
merit wheresoever he may be found, and 
that cultivate the habit and attitude of 
planning and acting without public reve- 
lation of purpose. 

If a minister be united in a special se- 
lective and secret brotherhood with a 
few of the members of his congrega- 
tion in this brotherhood, while the great 
majority, including women and children, 
are outside of it, it will be well-nigh im- 
possible for him to follow and apply the 
common principles of Christianity on 
the common and American grovuid of 
equal privileges and responsibilities for 
all, to every member in his congregation. 
— TJic Lufhcran Witness. 



WORTH HEEDING. 

"But where does the Church of Jesus 



Christ stand tod[ 



It seems to the 



writer that we have lost wdiat is called 
the "upper-room religion" and have in 
its place a "supper-room religion." The 
early church prayed in the upper room, 
the twentieth century church cooks in 
the supper room. The supper room has 
taken the place of the upper room, play 
has taken the place of prayer, feasting of 
fasting. Oh, I would like to see the cook- 
ing squad put out in many of our 
churches and the prayer band put in. 
Let us have less gravy and m.ore grace 
from on high, less pie and more piety, 
less entertainments and more salvation, 
less ham and sham and more love and 
light. Let us have less leaven and more 
heaven ; let us have less of the cook' anrl 
more of the Book. Let us put out the 
fire in the church kitchen and build it on 
the altar. When prayer meetings are as 
well attended as banquets the problems 
of the world will be solved." 



''We need greater virtues to sustain 
good than evil fortune." — Rochefou- 
cauld. 



Christianity is a religion which ex- 
pects you to DO things. — Japanese say- 
ing. 



W hen J, A. L. Romig of St. Cloud, 
Minn., sent in his dues to the M. W. of 
A. last month, he addressed the camp 
clerk. Dr. J. A. Hamlin, in rhyme. 

l\Ir, Romig was for many years an 
cvangcUst in the CJiristian Chureli aiid 
eondueted yeri'i'al meetings in the old 
rink, which stood just south of the l*ap- 
tist Church, and at another time in a" 
tent. He was invited into Lawrence 
Camp 798 of the Modern Woodmen, 
Alay II, 1894, and left town the same 
evening. Since then he has retained his 
membership in the camp at Lawrence 
and has sent in remittances from almost 
every country in the civilized world. He 
is now in the life insurance business. 
He writes : 

How well do I remember. 

The night I rode the goat; 
When I became a member, 

In my preacher's long-tailed coat. 
He bucked and blatted bravely. 

Did that little old-time goat, 
While the preacher held on gravely, 

Trying into camp to float. 

The goat and preacher scrambled, 

Their balance to maintain; 
While the Woodmen there assembled, 

Through their laughter, were in 
pain, 
For the preacher, was too heavy, 

On the goat he was a strain; 
And they both became unsteady. 

Their maneuvers to sustain. 

But the preacher won the battle. 

When, to the floor they crashed; 
For he was in the saddle. 

When the goat beneath him mashed. 
And to the camp he's faithful, 

Which is part of the preacher's game; 
And the camp is also loyal 

And true as the Woodmen's fame. 

Long live the Modern Woodmen, 

Their work of love to sustain; 
In caring for the widows 

And the orphans in TTis name. 
Loug live the Modern Woodmen; 

May their shadow ne'er grow less, 
While they save from tuberculosis, 

All their members in distress. 

God grant them strength and courage 

To do their work of love 
And when their work is over. 
May they rest in peace above. 
— Lawrence (Kan.) Daily Journal-World. 
J^aul writes of such it seems to us 
when he says, Phil. 3:18-19, For many 
of whom I have told you often are ene- 
mies of Christ, whose glory is their 
shame. 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



41 



( I'or description 




goat see March, 1920, Cynosure, page 397.) 



INJURED. 

Ik-rt Hildel^raiul, nineteen years old, 
3969 Lucky Street, St. Louis, Mo., 
will receive $2,000 for injuries suffered 
January 7, 1918, when riding on a me- 
chanical goat as part of his initiation 
into the Woodmen of the World. This 
settlement was made in Circuit Judge 
r'alkenhainer's Court in Hildehrand's 
$5,000 damage suit. 

Hil(le1)rand contended that he was 
1)lindfoldcd and put on the contrivance, 
and what seemed to he a strap with a 
metal buckle on it repeatedly struck him 
on the left leg. Later his leg became stiff 
and he found the bone had been broken. 
Me said an operation and other expenses 
amounted to ^/So. — St. Louis Star. 



making remarks calc 



ulated 



KILLED. 

At Montgomery. Ala., Dennis Sim- 
mington died in the ante-room of the 
local Odd-Fellows' Lodge from fright 
over his initiation into the order. After 
going to the lodge, he was left in an ante- 
room to wait. Several cloaked figures 
came out of the main hall and walked 



around him, 

to. give him a creepy feeling. 

He grew more and more excited, and 
at last tumbled from his chair in a heap. 
1 leering the fall, some one ran to him 
and found him dead. — Lincoln Repub- 
lican. 



HE CHEATED THE LORD. 

A man once said to Sam Jones: "The 
church is getting my assessment too 
high." 

Jones asked: "How much do ;\0U 
])ay?" 

"l'i\c dollars a year, was the reply. 

"Well." said Jones. "Mow long have 
}ou been converted ?" 

"About four years," was the answer. 

"What did you do before you were 
converted?" 

"T was a drunkard." 

"How mucli did you spend for drink?" 

"About ^2.^0.00 a year." 

"How much were vou worth?" 

"1 rented land and ploughed a steer." 

"\\'hat ha\e >ou got now'^" 

"I have a good plantation and a pair 
of horses." 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



"Well,"' said Sam Jones, "you paid 
the de^•il S250.00 a year for the privilege 
of ploughing a steer on rented land, and 
now you don't want to give the Lord, 
Avho saved you, $5.00 a year for the priv- 
ilege of ploughing with horses on your 
own plantation ! You are a rascal from 
the crown of your head to the soles of 
vour feet !'' 



MINISTER MEMBERS OF SECRET 
SOCIETIES. 

EY ALLAX CRABTREE, A CHICAGO PASTOR. 

The argument is often heard that all 
the "Secret Societies" and lodges have 
U'any ministers of churches as a pari of 
their membership and leadership, and 
that they are unquestionably conscienti- 
ous and sincere men. No doubts that 
there are ministers of churches found in 
societies and lodges who are there with 
sincerity of purpose both as members 
and leaders. And it is this fact that 
makes the menace of lodgism the nicre 
serious in connection with what the Worci 
ci God teaches concerning: 

1. Salvation by Christ. 

2. Separation to Christ. 

3. ^^'orking with Christ. 

4. ^^'aiting for Christ. 

The most charitable thing, therefore. 
that can be said for ministers who arc 
meml)ers and leaders of secret societies 
and lodges is, that they have utterlv 
failed either to apprehend, or to ap- 
propriate, or to appreciate the Lord 
Jesus Christ in one or more of the Script- 
ural relations as stated above. 

^Vhile it is evident from God's Word 
that there are men saved by Christ who 
are not separated to Christ for His 
service, it is also evident that they are 
not of those who are working with 
Christ, and are waiting for Christ ; for 
separation in Scripture means that 
Christians separated to Christ, whether 
they be ministers of churches, or hold 
other positions, cannot compromise wiUi. 
conform to, or have complicity in secret 
societies, lodges, or even " religious or- 
ganizations, especially when they use 
the open Bible in their order of services, 
but decline to worship the God of the 
Bible and Jesus Christ, whom he hath 
sent through the Holy Spirit, according 
to the teaching of the Bible. 

Ministers who must submit to the by- 
lavv's of the lodge in order to become 



members and leaders of the various 
secret societies are either consciously or 
unconsciously deniers of the Lord Jesus 
Christ and of His sovereign right in 
their lives and leadership, and are akin 
to those who are "blind leaders of the 
blind," when they presume 10 put lodge 
work on a par with Christian work. 



THE AMERICAN CHRISTIAN DAILY. 

Dear Fellow-Citizens : 

Are you satisfied with the daily news- 
papers as they are? Are you satished 
with the Chicago daily newspapers? Do 
you approve of the lengthy crime stories, 
the immoral pictures, the oftentimes ir- 
religious and vapid feature stories, the 
prominence given to doings of the secret 
orders and the neglect of the activities 
of the churches? 

The religious, the cultured, the decent 
element of this country's population 
wants a newspaper that can be relied on, 
a paper that shall speak the truth, no 
matter whom it hits, a paper that shall 
uphold all that is noble and uplifting in 
American life and thought. 

The American Christian Daily will be 
such a paper. This paper will confess 
and honor Jesus Christ. It will endeavor 
to translate the ideas of the great Master 
into actions. It will not be one-sidedly 
idealistic, but, while maintaining its ideal- 
ism, will be rigidly practical. It will 
stand for truth and justice, unflinching- 
ly, courageously, at all times and in all 
circumstances. It will Do or Die! 

The American Christian Daily will 
have : Two editions daily : A National 
and a Chicago edition ; full United Press 
Leased Wire Service ; a first class Eu- 
ropean News Service of its own ; editor- 
ials that are highly illuminating; a large 
Public Forum for the exchange of views 
on current questions ; a first-class Home 
Department ; a Children's Department, 
combining educational features and 
wholesome entertainment ; some of the 
world's best fiction ; an interesting De- 
partment of Athletics ; Special Articles 
by recognized authorities ; an Agricul- 
tural Department ; a Business. Financial 
and Market Section. 

If you think you want this paper and 
sliould desire more information about it, 
])lease write to us and we shall send you 
at once what you ask for. This is the 
cause of Christ, the cause of Truth. Will 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



43 



yuii help "push the cart" ? This thinj^- 
can be "put across" very easily if the 
true, God-fearing people of this country 
unite and say : We want such a paper. 
Do YOU want it? If so, please DO NOT 
DELAY WRITING TO US. 
Yours in His Name, 
The A^ferican Christian Daily Com- 
pany, 910 Garrick Building, Chicago, 
111. 



THE MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE. 



Why We Accept the Challenge of a Life 
of Christian Service. 

By Mrs. Rowena Becker. 

Why are you giving your life for 
Christian service — you with your educa- 
tion, you with your ability? Why are 
you burying yourself in the foreign field 
— you with your gifts, your talents, your 
aspirations ? Why seek you a despised 
calling — you a woman, whose right and 
place it is to be the maker of a home, 
the controller of destinies? 

Such questions as these often come to 
us. Some of you may have asked them, 
or have held them in mind if unspoken ; 
you could not understand our seeming 
"foolishness"; therefore, it is my pur- 
pose, in these few moments to answer, to 
show unto you the pathway by which we, 
the women of this graduating class, have 
come to accept the challenge of a life 
of Christian scriicc. 

First then, what kind of women are 
we ? 

The world thinks little of us, for we 
are "not of the world," therefore "the 
world hateth" us. It misunderstands us, 
pities us, mocks us, is ashamed of us. In 
its worldly wisdom, it knows not that 
souls are the most priceless things in 
(iod's universe; having "become vain in 
imaginations," their foolish hearts are 
darkened, and we are but "misguided 
women." 

Our nominal Christian friends, who 
understand in part, yet not wholly in 
sympathy, think us selfish, neglectful, 
wasters of time. Frequently they ad- 
monish us ; our parents need us, they 
say, so at least do not think of the for- 
eign field — perhaps, adding: "I don't be- 
lieve in foreign missions anyway." Alas, 
thev realize not that "whosoever will save 



his life shall lose it ; but whosoever shall 
lose his life for my sake an-d the gospel's, 
the same shall save it." 

We are not, however, the misguided 
women the world thinks us, but we are 
a "peculiar people zealous of good 
works." We are not following "cunning- 
ly devised fables," but the eternal Word 
which "was made flesh and dwelt among 
us*^'* full of grace and truth." We are 
not the selfish ones our friends believe 
us, but doing the will of Him whose we 
are and whom we serve with glad, full 
hearts — who, if choice were granted, 
would be (as intended) keepers of 
homes. Nor of extraordinary ability 
are we ; nay, we are but twenty-six aver- 
age, normal women, gathered here from 
thirteen states and five foreign coun- 
tries, ready to proclaim the gospel in the 
homeland and across seas in Tibet, In- 
dia, Africa, Madagascar, China, Japan, 
and South America. We are of humble 
parentage for the most part, exhibiting 
the truth of God's Word when it says : 
"God hafli chosen the foolish things of 
the world to confound the wise, and God 
hath chosen the weak things of the world 
to confound the things which are 
mighty." 

The challenged path was not always 
found easy. Will you follow along it a 
brief way to see its outworking and ulti- 
mate triumph, when at last emerging 
from self victoriously in His Name, we 
laid our all at His feet. 

The beginning, naturally, is where we 
first met Him— at the foot of His cross. 
Oh, wonder of wonders ! See us sitting 
in darkness and in the shadow of death. 
Behold us of the "earth, earthy" and of 
tlie world, worldly; unfruitful, unprofit- 
able, wilful, the followers of selfish am- 
bitions only. Then see Him in that large 
upper room in Jerusalem, breaking the 
bread, blessing it, and giving it to His 
disciples. Hear Him say: "This is my 
body which is broken for you." See Him 
take the cup and give thanks ; again hear 
Him say : "This cup is the new testa- 
ment^ in my blood which is shed for 
you." Follow that little band out into 
that awful night, across the brook Kid- 
ron to the garden of Gethsemane. See 
Him fall on His face in prayer, for His 
soul "is exceeding sorrowful, even unto 
death." Hear that agoniziuG: crv: "mv 



44 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



J-'alher, if it is possible let this cup pass 
from me." Peer over His shoulder into 
that cup bared to our stricken, terrified 
gaze. \Miat wonder we shrink back in 
horror! for it contains our awful sins, 
which He. the Sinless One, must drink 
to the dregs. Oh, the agony of His sin- 
less soul — list His more earnest prayer 
as great drops of blood ooze through the 
skin upon His brow, winding down His 
tortured face, falling to the ground. 
"Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou 
wilt" — obedient unto death. 

Yonder comes a rabble, "a great multi- 
tude"' armed ''with swords and staves." 
From out its front ranks steps one who 
hails Him as "Master ;" he kisses Him — 
surely it is the serpent's kiss we hear in 
that kiss. Rough hands are laid on Him ; 
He is led away to "the high priest, where 
the scribes and the elders were assem- 
bled.'' Hear their false accusations ; see 
them spit upon Him ; they smite Him 
with their hands until His face and form 
are so marred ; His appearance is no 
longer like that of man. Throughout 
the night, whoever would of that brutal 
mob pours out his brutality upon Him, 
who was even then drinking deeply of 
their cup of sin and shame and degrada- 
tion. Contrast this with His tears and 
yearning heart of a few days ago when 
entering the city : "O Jerusalem, Jerusa- 
lem, thou that killest the prophets, and 
stonest them which are sent unto thee, 
how often would I have gathered thy 
children together, even as a hen gath- 
ereth her chickens under her wings, and 
ye would not !" 

The morning comes. They bring Him 
before the governor, who releases Him 
unto his soldiers. Afresh the fiendish 
torture begins. Upon His head is a 
plaited crown of thorns as forth they 
lead Him to Golgotha. Hear the thud of 
blows as cruel nails pierce His hands 
and feet. The cross is lifted, none too 
gently into place, while at its foot they 
cast lots for His garments. See those 
that pass by reviling Him, 'Svagging 
their heads" in mockery to the wag of 
His own suffering head, egged on and 
assented to by the chief priests, with the 
scribes and elders. 

What is the meaning of this? Our very 
souls cry out as darkness settles over 
the land. 



"My (lod, my God, why hast thou for- 
saken me?" pierces the gloom. 

In silence, through tense hours, with 
eyes fastened upon His cross of agony, 
and shame, at last the triumphant cry 
rings out- — "It is finished!" 

Now we understand its meaning: "He 
was wounded for our transgressons ; He 
was bruised for our inequities, the chas- 
tisement of our peace is upon Him; 
the Lord hath laid on Him the inicjuity of 
us all." There, hanging there, He bears 
"our sins in His own body on the tree." 
There is His body broken for us. There, 
the blood flowing from the spear wound 
in His side, His thorn-crowned head. 
His nail pierced hands and feet, is the 
blood of the new testament shed for us, 
that we might have remission of sins, 
and as our straining, streaming eyes con- 
tinue their riveted gaze out of that dark 
hour, such glory engulfs His cross, such 
radiance celestial — its effulgent splendor 
blinds us, and into the abysmal darkness 
of our lives, the very Hght and life of 
that glory is poured out, flooding them 
with such joy, such happiness — the won- 
der of it, the pain of it in our swelling 
hearts, the triumph of it — for we have 
been born anew in that brief moment ; 
we have been "reconciled to God," we 
— foul sinners, by His sacrificial death ; 
we have been cleansed from our scarlet 
sins by "the blood of the Lamb ;" "w^e 
have peace with God through our L'ord 
fesus Christ." 

Freed from the shackles of bondage 
are we, for now we behold Him in all 
His resurrection power, with the keys of 
death and hell upon His girdle — the 
conqueror of all our enemies — sin, self, 
disease, death, hell. A living Saviour! 
able to save because He ever liveth ; able 
to keep because exalted above all that is 
in heaven, or that is in earth, or under 
the earth, to the very throne of heaven, 
"where He sitteth on the right hand of 
God, the Father," from whence we look 
for His soon coming again — O blessed 
hope ! — and we fall on our faces before 
Him crving out: "My Lord, and my 
God!" 

Thus the first milestone is passed in 
owning Him as Saviour and Lord. 

From that moment, strange develop- 
ments take place within us — arguments, 
Illuminations, diversities, confusion, 



[line, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



45 



wrestlings — -batlles cwu in llicsc newly 
awakened souls of ours, as we loosen 
grip on the things of yesterday. Out- 
side, peculiar providential circumstances, 
events of significant import, hedges 
without openings, unexpected twists and 
jagged turns re\'eal the unseen hand of 
God upon us, shaping us, moulding us, 
guiding us. Over us steals the con- 
sciousness that we are being hallowed, 
set apart for some as yet undisclosed 
purpose. 

One day He passes by ; His voice 
sweet and low says :, "That engagement 
must be broken ; 'Thy IMaker is Thine 
Husband,' follow me to x\frica, 'rejoice 
and be exceeding glad ; for great is your 
reward in Heaven.' " 

To another : "Those plans are not 
mine ; come with me to India to be a 
fisher of men, 'and thou shalt have treas- 
ure in heaven' and be 'rich toward 
God.' " 

To a third : " 'This is the way' to 
China, 'walk ye in it?' " "Master," comes 
the expostulation, "T have been follow- 
ing Thee, but now I would go my own 
way for a time." He answers : "Xo man, 
having put his hand to the plow, and 
looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of 
God." 

To a fourth : " T have chosen you, 
and ordained you, that ye should go and 
bring forth fruit,' in South America." 
"But, Lord, my father, my mother — 
they will gladly let me serve Thee here 
at home." "Child of mine, 'he that lov- 
eth father or mother more than me, is 
not worthy of me,' but he that willeth to 
serve me "him will my Father honor.' " 

To others : "There are hundreds and 
thousands of straggling sheep outside my 
fold in the homeland ; go ye and gather 
them in, 'teaching them to observe all 
things whatsoever T have commanded 
you ; and lo, I am with you always.' " 

Thus we are met at each milestone — 
He leading, we following on until all the 
twistings, the doubts, the confusions, the 
wrenchings are over, and the ])ath lies 
straio;ht before us and straight ahead, for 
we have learned that all obstacles are 
met and overcome in Tlim. 

Would that we could take you (uer 
everv fragrant, flower-lined avenue, 
through every rugged, l)arren, channel. 



share with um e\c'r\- tear, c'\cr\ jo) 
from the time we fir^t met llim at tli'c 
cross until now ue stand before }ou. the 
first phase of our ])re]jaration for Hi^ 
service ended today, lint since this can- 
not be, we epitomize in just one word — 
LO\K. 

Why have we accepted the challenge 
of a life of Christian service? 'J'he an- 
swer, primarily, is love ; love the begin- 
ning, love the end, love over all ; the love 
of Christ constraineth us. 

Secondly, the need constraineth us. 
Through His eyes we have seen tlu- 
whole world one vast, needy field, need- 
ing Him, needing the same love shed 
abroad in our hearts, needing to know 
His finished work upon the cross for 
their sin-scarred souls, and how shall 
they know unless we witness for Him. 

Thirdly, He has commissioned: \'erily 
"God had an only Son and He was a mis- 
sionary," and God's only missionary Son 
said — "Follow me !" 

Therefore, if we would be true fol- 
lowers, there is no alternative to indi- 
vidual responsibility but to take u]) dur 
cross and follow on, delighting to do 
His will. 

Therefore, we have missionar_\- hearts, 
since from God's own missionary heart 
came Calvary. 

Therefore, we are missionar\- in our 
love for the world. "For God so loNcd 
the world." 

Therefore, we are missionary in our 
gifts, even to the sacrifice of Uned ones, 
for "He ga\e his only begotten ."^un." 

Therefore, we are nn'ssionar\- in our 
example. e\en to going. t"or we tollow 
(iod's Son who went. 

Therefore, we are missionary in onr 
messeage, "That whosoex'er beliexetli in 
llim should not ])erish but ha\e ever- 
lasting life." 

To summarize briefix' : r.ecause ot 
(iod's great loxc. the gift ot" that lo\e — 
( e\en His Son) the objects of that love 
(the peoj^les of the world), on this (la\- 
which means >o much to us. w i' lay down 
our live.s anew for Thee, ( ) living Christ ; 
anew we ofier ourselves on Thine altar 
,-is living sacrifices: (^nce more, with glad 
hearts. \\(> accept lo the full at whate\er 
cost: the challenge of a life of Chrisflan 



46 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, I92a 



OUR PRESENT - DAY ATTITUDE 
TOWARD THE LODGE. 

By Rev. ]. R. Graebner, Fort Wayne, 

Ind. 

(Continued from ]\Iav Number) 

The Oath. 

What is an oath? Webster sa3'S it is 

"a solemn affirmation with an appeal to 

God for its truth." Swearing by God's 

name is, as our Cathechism says, ''to call 

upon God as the witness of truth or the 

avenger of falsehood." "I swear this," 

or, "I swear to this," or, "T give my oath 

to this," or, ''I say this under oath," or 

some similar expression means, "I say 

this, and God is my witness ; I hereby 



sworn by them that are no gods" (Jer. 
S-7)' "Ye shall not swear by My name 
falsely, neither shalt thou profane the 
name of thy God ; I am the Lord" (Lev. 
19:12). "But the king (David) shall 
rejoice in God; every one that sweareth 
by Him shall glory, but the mouth of 
them that speak lies shall be stopped" 
( Ps. 63:11). From these and other 
texts we see that there is such a thing 
as holy swearing w^hich is permitted and 
commanded. 

God Himself has sworn oaths. '"I 
have sworn by Myself, the word is gone 
out of my mouth in righteousness, and 




call upon Him as the witness of truth 
or the avenger of falsehood." The words 
"swear," ''oath," are frequently used to 
designate profane language of any kind. 
We are using these words here in the 
sense of the definition given above. What 
does the Bible say of such swearing? 
"Thou shalt fear the Lord, thy God, and 
serve Him, and shalt swear by His 
name" (Deut. 6:13). "Thou- shalt swear, 
The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, 
and in righteousness" (Jer. 4:2). "Thou 
shalt. fear the Lord, thy God ; Him shalt 
thou serve, and to Him shalt thou cleave, 
and swear by His name" (Deut. 10:20). 
"He that sw^eareth in the earth shall 
swear by the God of truth" (Is. 65:16). 
"Thy children have forsaken me, and 



shall not return, That unto me every 
knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear" 
(Is. 45 :23). God said to Abraham : "By 
Myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for 
because thou hast done this thing, and 
hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, 
that in blessing I will bless thee, and in 
multiplying I will multiply thy seed as 
the stars of heaven, and as the sand which 
is upon the seashore ; and thy seed shall 
possess the gate of his enemies ; and in 
thy seed shall all the nations of the earth 
be blessed ; because thou hast obeyed My 
voice" (Gen. 22: 16-18), /by the prophet 
Ezekiel (33:11) God says ''As I live, 
saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in 
the death of the wicked, but that the 
wicked turn from his way and live.". 



June, 1920. 



CllRlS'J IAN CYNOSURE 



47 



Saints of the Old Testament used the 
oath. "Abraham said to the King of 
Sodom, I have lift up mine hand to the 
Lord, the most high God, the Possessor 
of heaven and earth, that I will not take 
from a thread even unto a shoe-latchet, 
and that I will not take anything that 
is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have 
made Abraham rich, save only that 
which the young men have eaten, and 
the portion of the men which went with 
me" (Gen. 14:22-24). "Moses swear 
on that day, saying, Surely," etc. (Josh. 
14:9). "But the king spared Mephibosh- 
eth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, 



is Ijlessed furevermorc, knoweth that 1 
lie not" (2 Cor. 11:3).. St. Paul to the 
Pomans (1:9): "God is my witness, 
whom 1 serve with my spirit in the gos- 
pel of Mis Son, that without ceasing I 
make mention of you always in my 
prayers." We find similar words in Gal. 
1:20; Phil. 1:8; and i Thess. 2:5. 

In tlie 6th chapter of Hebrews, \erses 
13-18, we read: "For when God made 
promise to Abraham, l^ecause he could 
swear Ijy no greater. He swear by Him- 
self, saying, Surely blessing I will bless 
thee, and multiplying I will multiply 
thee. And so, after he had patiently en- 




Ijecause of the Lord's oath that was be- 
tween them, between David and Jona- 
than, the son of Saul'' (2 "Sam. 21:7). 
Christ took the oath administered by 
the high priest : "I adjure thee by the 
living God that Thou tell us whether 
Thou be the Christ, the Son of God." He 
might have "held His peace" as He had 
done immediately before when the high 
priest had said: "Answercst Thou notli- 
ing? What is it which tliey witness 
against Thee?" but under this oath 
"Jesus saith unto him. Thou has said." 
St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 'T 
call God for a record upon my soul that 
to spare you I came not as yet unto 
Corinth" (2 Cor. 1:23). "The God and 
Father of om- Lord Tesus Christ, which 



dured he obtained the promise, l^'or men 
verilv swear by the greater, and an oath 
for confirmation is to them an end ot 
all strife. Wdierein G(hI. willing more 
abundanll\- io show unto the heirs of 
promise tlie inimutabilitx' of His counsel, 
confirmed it 1)\ an oath, that b\- two im- 
mutable things in which it \\a> impos- 
sible iov God to lie we might have a 
str(^ng consolation, who ha\e \\c(\ tor 
refuge to la\" hold upon the hoj)e set 
l)(M"ore us." The Apostle's argument is 
this : An oath is an a])peal to the highest 
authorilw and is final in settling to point 
which it is to contlrm. ( iod. having no 
authorit\- above Himself, swears by 
Himself. Men, beiui^: under (iod, swear 
bv the L'reater. bv God. In both cases 



48 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



the oail"i is conclusive, and if even among 
men a truth conhrmed by an oath is con- 
sidered beyond dispute, then, surely, 
when God has confirmed the immutabil- 
ity of His counsel by an oath, we have 
a strong consolation. There is, then, 
a proper use for oaths for the settle- 
ment of disputes or litigations, or the 
confirmation of the truth, where such 
confirmation is necessary for God's sake 
or for the benefit of others. It should 
be noted that the hoi}' writer does not 
speak of past ages, but of the present 
time, the time of Xew Testament Chris- 
tianity, which this epistle in other re- 



hair white or black. But let your com- 
munication be. Yea, yea ; Xay, nay ; for 
whatsoever is more than these cometh 
of evil," — what, I ask, do these words 
mean ? 

They cannot be intended as an abso- 
lute prohibition of oaths, since law-ful 
oaths, as the previous texts show% are 
expressly sanctioned by divine com- 
mandment and example and by nume- 
rous appeals of the holy men of God, 
even under divine inspiration, to God as 
the Witness and Judge of the truth of 
their statements, and no interpretation 
of a text can be correct which conflicts 




spects places in sharp contrast with the 
past dispensation of the Old Covenant. 
And thus we learn that the command- 
ment in Deut. 6:13. to swear by God's 
name, is not revoked in the X'ew Testa- 
ment. 

What, then, does Christ mean in Alatt. 
5 • 33~37' Vvherc He says : "Again yc 
have heard that it hath been said by 
them of old time. Thou shalt not for- 
swear thyself, and shalt perform unto 
the Lord thine oaths. But I say unto 
you. Swear not at all. neither by heaven, 
for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, 
for it is His footstool ; neither by Jeru- 
salem, for it is the city of the great 
Kine : neither shalt thou swear by thv 
head ; because thou canst not make one 



with other clear texts of Scriptures. 
In the second place, we must consider 
the scope of this admonition. From 
the forms of oaths quoted by Christ, 
which w^ere not judicial oaths, we sec 
that the Lord here deals w^ith the evil 
habit of irreverant swearing, of loading 
down commonplace conversations and 
assertions wdth all manner of oaths, a 
custom which to this day prevails among 
Tews and Mohammedans. In extenua- 
tion of this habit the Jews distinguished 
betw^een the solemn oaths 1w the holy 
name of God and such other oaths as, 
"By heaven," "By Jerusalem," "By my 
head," etc.. and maintained that they 
kept within the law if they abstained 
from perjuring themselves by the Xame 



Tune, 193: 



HRISTIAX CYXOSURE 



expressly invoked. This attempted jus- 
tification of an iniqioral practice is. to- 
gether with the practice itself, discomi- 
tenanced by the authentic Interpreter of 
the Law. who in our text would lead the 
Jews to understand that their irreverent 
oaths were, in fact, no less abusive of 
the name of God than the forms which 
they avoided would have been under 
like circumstances, since those famiUar 
oaths by heaven and earth and Terasa- 
1cm and their own heads were ultimate- 
ly but so many invocations of Him who 
is the Ruler of the heavens. His throne, 
and of the earth. His footstool, and of 
Jerusalem. His own pecuHar city, and 
holds dominion over every hair of our 
heads. Thus, then, the Pharisaical theory- 
is shown to be utterly at variance with 
the lavr. which, while it does not pro- 
hibit, but enjoins, the proper use of the 
oath, condemns not only one form, but 
all forms of swearing besides and be- 
yond that proper use. where yea should 
l>e simply yea. and nay should be simply 
nay, and what is more than these and 
partakes of the nature of an oath, is 
violation of the law and cometh of evil, 
just as kiUing in any form besides and be- 
yond proper use of the sword is murder, 
and carnal intercourse besides and be- 
yond what is proper and lawful marriage 
is lewdness, whether in the form of 
fornication, or of adultery, or of any 
other sin of uncleanness. though it be 
only that of looking at a woman to lust 
after her. 

The Second Commandment. "Thou 
slialt not take the name of the Lord, thy 
God. in vain,"* means, among other 
things, as Luther says in the Small Cate- 
chism : *"\\'e should fear and love God 
that wc m.ay not, , swear by His name." 
To explain what is meant here by 
"swear."' our exposition oi Luther's 
Small Catechism asks the question. 
"What manner of swearing is forbid- 
den?"" and answers as follows: "False, 
blasphemous, and frivolous swearing, 
and all oaths in uncertain things. " This 
answer is certainly correct according to 
the Second Commandment and all the 
other Scripture texts which we have 
ouoted. And when in reply to the ques- 
tion. "What manner of swearing is per- 
mitted, and even enjoined? " our explan- 
ation of the Catechism savs : "Whatever 



swearing is demanded by the glor 
<jod and the welfare of our neighbor, 
that answer is also correct according to 
>cripture. as we have seen. 

The very nature, also, of the oath, 
shows that it is a sacred thing to be used 
in sacred matters-. 

Lodge Oaths, , 

Xow let us see whether the swearing 
connection with lodge membership is 
swearing demanded by the glon- of God 
• and the welfare of 'our neigW.r. en* 
whether it is. to say the least. "= frivolou- 
swearing and swearing in uncenain 
things. I most emphatically say, it is 
frivolous swearing and swearing' in un- 
certain things, it is taking God~"s name 
in vain, and therefore it is an abomina- 
tion in the sight of God. 

In most of ihe lodges, or all of them, 
each candidate for membership is re- 
quired to svrear that he will never reveal 
passwords, grips, signs, or any other 
secrets or mysteries of the order. Most 
lodges also demand of all candidates for 
membership that they promise under 
oath, or by words equivalent to an 
oath, to obey the present and future 
laws of the order, and that they will 
never in any way hann any member of 
the order. The rituals of the Masonic 
and Odd-Feliow orders are full oi c^aths. 
some of them covering entire pa^es. 
TIere are some of the paragraphs oi a 
Knight Templar Masonic'i'oath : 
Knights Templar Obligation. 

"I. (namet, oi my own free will and 
accord, in the presence of Almighty God 
and this Encampment of Knights Tem- 
plars, do hereby and hereon most sol- 
emnly promise and swear that I will al- 
ways hale, forever conceal, and never re- 
veal any of the secret arts. pans, or 
points appenaining to the mysteries of 
this order of Knights Templars, etc. 

"Furthennore do I promise and swear 
that I will answer and obey all <lue signs 
and regular summons which shall be 



*Johann Conrad Dannhauer s^ys : "How 
shall one swear? Without h\-pocnsy. in truth. 
as well of words as of -the thing: itself, oi 
which he who swears must he sure. 'Whoever 
swears to what is false, or swears as if it 
were true, while it is still doubtful, perjures 
himself.' says Augustine." Oaths in uncertain 
thmgs are :n one sense false oaths. 



50 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



given or sent to me from regular En- 
campments of Knights Templar, if with- 
in the distance of forty miles, natural in- 
firmities and unavoidable accidents only 
excusing me. 

'T^Tirthermore do I promise and swear 
that 1 will go the distance of forty 
miles even barefoot and on frosty 
ground, to save the life and relieve the 
distress of a worthy Knight, should I 
know that his distress required it, and 
my abilities permit. 

'T^^urthermore do I promise and swear 
that I will support and maintain the by- 
laws of the Encampment of which I 
may hereafter become a member, the 
edicts and regulations of the Grand En- 
campment under which the same may be 
holden, together with the laws and con- 
stitution of the General Grand Encamp- 
ment of the United States of America, 
as far as the same shall come to my 
knowledge. 

"To all this I most solemnly and sin- 
cerely promise and swear with a firm 
and steadfast resolution to perform and 
keep the same, without any hesitation, 
equivocation, mental reservation, or self- 
e\asion of mind in me whatever, binding 
myself under no less penalty than to 
have my head struck off and placed on 
the highest spire in Christendom, should 
I ever knowingly or wilfully violate any 
part of this, my solemn obligation of a 
Knight Templar. So help me God and 
keep me steadfast to perform and keep 
the same." 

Odd Fellows' Obligation. 
The following is an obligation of the 
Odd-Fellows: 'T, (name), in the pres- 
ence of the brothers of the order now- 
assembled, do solemnly promise that I 
will never communicate to any one, un- 
less directed to do so by legal lodge, the 
signs, tokens, or grips, the terms, travel- 
ing or other passwords belonging to the 
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. 
Xor will I expose or lend any of the 
books or papers relating to the records 
or secret work of the order to any per- 
son or persons, except to "one specially 
authorized to receive them ; that I will 
never reveal any 'private business which 
may be transacted in my presence in this 
or any other lodge. I also promise that 
T will abide by the laws, rules, and regu- 
lations of this lodge, of the Grand Lodge 



of the Independent Order of Odd-Fel- 
lows of (here name the State) or any 
other Grand or working Lodge to which 
I may be attached. 

'T further promise that I will never 
wrong a Subordinate or Grand Lodge to 
the value of anything. Nor will I take part 
or share, directly or indirectly, in any 
illegal distribution of the funds or other 
property of the lodge, but will to the 
best of my ability endeavor to prevent ' 
the same. Nor will I wrong a brother 
or see him wronged without apprising 
him of approaching danger, if in my 
power to do so. Should I be expelled 
or voluntarily leave the order, I will con- 
sider this promise as binding out of it 
as in it. To the faithful performance 
of all which I pledge my sacred honor.'' 
("Revised Odd-Fellowship Illustrated," 
by a Past Grand Patriarch ; 22nd edition ; 
Chicago, 111. ; Ezra A. Cook, Publisher, 
1893: page 54.) 

On page 60 of the same book, we find 
the following footnote : *Tveep in remem- 
brance the signs and words imparted to 
you, to enable you to enter these courts, 
and to recognize and be recognized of 
your brethren. Trifling as they may seem 
to some, they are the key to our treas- 
ures and mysteries. And in their use 
remember that they are pledges of 
secrecy to the brotherhood from you 
and to you from us" (Grosh's Manual 
of Odd-Fellowship, page 98). 

Knights of Pythias Obligation. 

Obligation Rank of Page in Knights 
of Pythias: "Prelate: Stranger, you will 
repeat after me: "I solemnly promise 
that I will never reveal the password," 
etc. 

"I furthermore promise that I will 
obey the laws and, so far as possible, 
comply with the requirements of the 
order. 

"I furthermore promise that I will 
heed the teachings of this rank, and seek 
to profit thereby," etc. 

"To the faithful observance of this 
obligation I pledge my sacred word of 
honor. So help me God, and may He 
keep me steadfast. 

"All : Amen. 

"Prelate: Stranger, by this vow you 
are boimd until death. 

"All: Even until death." ("Revised 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYXOSURE 



.<! 



Knights of ryiliias Illustrated"; Chi- 
cago, 111.; Ezra A. Cook, Publisher: 

1893-) 

Obligation of "Red Men." 

To show that the minor lodges also use 
oaths, let me quote the obligation of the 
■'Hunter's Degree" in the "Improved 
Order of Red Men: *T, (name), in con- 
sideration of the rights and privileges 
about to be conferred upon me by the 
members of the Hunter's Degree, do 
now, in the presence of the Great Spirit, 
and the brothers here assembled, most 
solemnly pledge my sacred honor, as a 
citizen and a Red Alan, that I will keep 
secret all matters that may now or here- 
after be revealed to me concerning this 
Degree ; that I will, by precept and ex- 
ample, to the extent of my ability, labor 
to advance the interests, promote the 
harmony, and secure the permanency of 
the Improved Order of Red Men, and 
the various degrees thereof to which I 
may attain ; that I will not improperly 
use any sign, grip, password, token, cere- 
mony, or other matter belonging to the 
Degree ; nor will countenance in another 
any eftort or attempt to do so ; that I 
will, to the utmost of my ability, carry 
out and fulfil the doctrine, principles and 
precepts of this Degree, according to 
their true intent and meaning, as pro- 
mulgated and directed by the legally con- 
stituted authorities of the Order. All 
this I solemnly promise without any 
evasion or mental reservation." (''Red 
Men Illustrated"; Chicago, 111.; Ezra 
A. Cook, Publisher; 1895.) 

Obligations That Have Divine Sanction. 
Wlien our candidates for communi- 
cant membership in our Church, chil- 
dren or adults, solemnly promise in their 
confirmation vow, before God and His 
Church, that they will remain faithful to 
God and His truth until death. God is 
glorified by that vow, and the sacredness 
and importance of the promise justify its 
solemnity. Our eternal destiny depends 
upon our relation to God and His Word. 
Again, when a Lutheran minister, upon 
the occasion of his ordination, solemnly 
promised that he will faithfully perform 
the duties of his holy office according to 
the Word of God and the Confessions 
of the Lutheran Church, unto the glory 
of God and the salvation of immortal 
souls, that oblij^ation is certainly justified 



1)}' the .sacredness and the res[)(in^ibilitie^ 
of the ministerial office, and is demanded 
by the glory of (iod and the welfare of 
the Church. (2 Cor. 1:23; 11:31; Rom. 
1:9; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8; 8 Apostolic 
example.) And when the •"higher pow- 
ers," the "powers that be," which, like 
the Church, are ordained of God, de- 
mand an oath that in order that they 
might be a "minister of God to thee for 
good," and not "bear the sword in vain." 
but "execute wrath upon him that doeth 
evil" (Rom. 13: 1-4), such oath is de- 
manded by the glory of God and the wel- 
fare of our neighbor, and all that take 
such an oath do so in a matter, the sac- 
redness and consequence of which fully 
justify their doing so. 

Obligations That Have Divine Condemna- 
tion. 

But where in all the wide world is 
there a lodge that can say that it is or- 
dained of God, as the Church and civil 
government are, and that its purposes 
and responsibilities are of such import- 
ance and consequence that they could be 
at all compared with those of the Church 
of the State? Even if all the objects 
and purposes of the lodge were good and 
honest, they would not justify such oaths 
as are common in lodges. The lodge 
could certainly carry on anything that is 
legitimate and beneficial without the ne- 
cessity of an oath of secrecy and alle- 
giance. W^e do not know everything that 
goes on in lodges, but we do know that 
there can be nothing of such sacredness 
and importance in any purely voluntary 
organization of men that would re(|uire 
or even justify an oath of secrec}- and 
faithfulness on the ground that the glory 
of God or the welfare of men demand ii. 
Hie Church and ci\il government take 
care of such weighty matters, and they 
are the onlv institutions authorized t(^ do 
so. 

The lodge oath is, therefore, friviv 
I0US, and by taking such an (\ath God's 
name is taken in vain. 

The lodge oath is also an oath in un- 
certain things. Candidates for member- 
shij) in a lodge or for initiation into a 
higher degree swear secrecy in regard 
to matters that will in the future be made 
known to them : they promise under oath 
or upon their sacred honor that they 
will obev laws that will later be brought 



^9 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



Iiine, 1920. 



to their knowledge, and that they will 
faithfully support the lodge in everything 
that it may at some future time choose 
to do. If there is such a thing as an 
oath in uncertain things, lodge oaths are 
certaiiily of that kind. The candidate 
taking such obligations does not even 
know whether the keeping of them will 
be morally right or wrong. Even a mere 
promise unconfirmed by anything like 
an oath is incompatible with honesty and 
integrity if the keeping of it might pos- 
sibly be a violation of conscience. The 
sinfulness of oaihs in uncertain things 
appears very plainly also from Lev. 
5 :4 : 'Tf a soul swear, pronouncing with 
his lips to do evil, or. to do good, what- 
soever it be that a man shall pronounce 
with an oath, and it be hid from him; 
when he knoweth of it, then he shall be 
guilty in one of these." 

In some lodges the administrator of 
the oath introduces the same by suclt 
words as these : "I promise and assure 
you that in the obligation you are about 
to take there is nothing to affect your 
religion or politics, and that there is 
nothing in it inconsistent with your 
duties to God, your neighbor, or your- 
self," and then the candidate swears 
such oaths as \yc have quoted from rit- 
uals. The fact that such an assurance 
precedes the oath is no guarantee at all 
that the keeping of the oath could never 
be against the political, religious, or 
moral principles of the person that took 
the oath, since it is well known, and 
lodge work abundantly proves, that opin- 
ions differ greatly as to what our duties 
in religion and politics and toward God 
and our neighbor are. ''Let every man 
be fully persuaded in his own mind." 
(Rom. 14:5.) 

The lodge oath is a frivolous oath 
and an oath in uncertain things, and 
therefore it is sinful, untruthful, and a 
gross violation of the Second Command- 
ment, 'Thou shalt not take the name of 
the Lord, thy God, in vain." 

Xo person can even get into the lodge 
without sinning greatly. 

(To be continued.) 



THE CAMELS ARE COMING. 

The follotving was sent to the Chicagu 
Tribune but was not published. The author 
is the Rev. Dr. Brooks, General Secretary 
of the great evangelistic work that is going 
forward in the west among our foreign 
population. — Editor. 

440 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, 111. 
April 22, 1920. 
Editor, Tlie Tribune: 

My attention was directed this morn- 
ing, while walking down Clark Street, 
to a great banner stretched over the 
street advertising the so-called "Order 
of Camels,"' the new order which cham- 
pions Personal Liberty. 

I was curious as to what this new 
thing might be, and so made an investi- 
gation. 

I learn that it is a secret society, 
though it advertises that "x\ll books of 
the Order, and all of its business with 
the exception of the secret (work and) 
ritual are open to the inspection of the 
public," and "All officers are under ag- 
gregate surety bonds of $100,000, as 
protection against larceny and embezzle- 
rnent," etc. 

This secret society claims to have 
come into existence in Milwaukee on 
January i6th, 1920, and that the hrst 
caravan was organized the day the Pro- 
hibition Amendment became effective in 
that city, which prior to that time had 
been the "most liberal oasis in the coun- 
try." It claims to have grown rapidly. 
"Fifty caravans were quickly established 
in Wisconsin, and the Order is now 
spreading into every nook and corner 
of the United States." 

The gentleman in charge of the situa- 
tion in Chicago assured me that the 
Order was "extending from Coast to 
Coast ;" that many members were al- 
ready initiated in Chicago, and that a 
still larger number would be, before the 
close of this present week; that the mem- 
bership goal is 2,000,000 members before 
July i6th, and 2,000,000 more before 
the end of the year." 

Now the point is this : And all true 
Americans ought to sit up and take 
notice : Here is an organization that ad- 
mittedly has a single purpose, and that 
is to destroy what is now a part of the 
basic law of our land, namely, the Eigh- 
teenth Amendment to the Constitution of 
the United States. Yet the hackneyed 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



53 



phruhc is repealed: "Tlie (Jrder does 
not interfere with any person's relii>ious 
or political belief.'' But what kind of 
political beliefs do the members of this 
new order have, who are Ijanded to- 
gether in secrecy and who propose to use 
the methods of the secret fraternity with 
the avowed purpose of fighting our Con- 
stitution ? 

Respectfully vours, 

lESSE'^W. BROOKS. 



VVHEN THE ENEMY TRIUMPHS. 

Faith lets God make our program. 
Faith lets God decide what experience 
we are to ha\-e. Unbelief wants to make 
its own program, and wants to decide 
the results for itself. But to the really 
yielded and believing child of God two 
entirely different kinds of experience 
may come. In certain cases God may 
grant a wonderful, supernatural deliver- 
ance from the power of the enemv at 
every point. In other case^^-, God n\iy 
^^'iibhold such deliverance and let the 
enemy triumph — or seem to triumph — in 
a terribly real way. 

In the "Westminster Abbey" of faith. 
the nth chapter of Hebrews, we find 
both kinds of experience. In some of 
the faith-tests the people of God were 
delivered from bodily harm, as when 
"they passed through the Red Sea as by 
dry land," while their enemies, the Egyp- 
tians, "were swallowed un" (v. 29). 
Sim:larly other believers through faith 
. . . stopped the mouths of lions, 
quenched the pov/er of fire, escaped the 
edge of the sword," and 'Svomen received 
ed their dead by a resurrection" (vs. 33, 
35). But see the other side of the 

faith-test. Other children of God, equal- 
ly yielded and believing, ''were toriured, 

. . had trial of mockings and scourg- 
ings, yea, moreover of boiids an<l im- 
i;risonment ; they were stoned, they were 
hawn asunder, they were tempted, they 
were slain with the sword'' (v% 3vv3S). 

Why such a difference in the experi- 
ences of God's own children, l)y iiis 
directing or permitting? Because viod 
knew it was best. Those over whon> [he 
enemy was seemingly permitted to tri- 
umph, for the time being knew that they 
5.h.ould "obtain a better resurrection" ( w 
35). Faith knows that whate\er is 'he 
will of God is best. 

— The Sunday SrJiooI 1 inrs. 



SECRET SOCIETIES. 

\>\ WM. j. r.i:.\M-.i I. 

Today, as perhaps newer before, (j(jd 
is revealing to His saved ones the neces- 
sity of an absolute surrender to His will 
through a complete separation from the 
natural world and self. 

Whenever a question occurs to any 
of His willing and waiting ones, \\ >uch 
and such a thing is wrong? it i^ the 
voice of the Holy Spirit in His work of 
revealing new light on their pathway 
toward their perfection in Him. 

The answer should not be sought of 
man, but He who has formed the ([no- 
tion has also made a way of escape for 
the soul married to the circumstances of 
its own past choice*: no question can oc- 
cur to any honest heart which is not 
answered by the revealed word of Ciod. 

To the question of whether Secret 
Societies, of any name or creed, are or 
are not a menace to the Child of God? 
is answered by God's word in such a 
way that one is "without excuse" who 
dares to close one's eyes to the light 
which the Holy Spirit brings. 

Afany join with an honest intention, 
so they affirm, to show their light to the 
other members of those orders : but bv 
conforming to the "world and its stand- 
ards we are in danger" of being mar- 
ried to its sins instead of saving others. 

\Mien the Church began to court the 
world for numbers and ecclesiastical 
power she took unto herself the idols 
of Paganism, re-naming them after 
"Saints" and the "Holy h^amily," until 
today we have a sprinkled Paganism 
calling itself the "Holy (Roman) Cath- 
olic Church." 

A\'hen Israel mingled with the other 
nations (with whatever motive ) they be- 
came unholy through mixed marriages 
and so thwarted (u)d's ])]an tor them. 

So we. as C"hri^tians. are in danger 
of refusing liod's best good for us if 
we he conf(M-me(l to the world. Rom. 
12 :t. 

An\- man or woman who is a memluM- 
of a Secret order must "fellowship with 
the children of darkness," the\- must 
receive them as P)rothers and Sisters : 
they must "Fraternize" — become P)roth- 
erly— with the Infidel : and how can two 
walk together unless they l)e agreed ? or 



54 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



"what fellowship hath Christ with 
r.clial?"" 11 Cor. 6:15. 

\\> are commanded to be not unequal- 
ly yoked together \yith unbeHevers, but 
Christian members of such things must 
act and hye the lie of pretending a re- 
lation to those who deny our ' Lord, 
which is both sacred and spiritual. Matt. 
12:50. Mark 3:35. 

To the new-born Child of God, none 
are his Brothers or Sisters but those who 
are also in the family of God : wdiile the 
natural man is the child of the Devil 
and loses no principle by a fraternal 
union with any other child of the world. 
I John 3 :8. 

God said. "Be ye not unequally yoked 
together wath unbelievers: for w^hat fel- 
lowship hath righteousness wdth un- 
righteousness? and what communion 
hath light wnth darkness? and w^hat con- 
cord hath Christ \vith Belial or wdiat 
part hath he that believeth with an in- 
fidel? '•' '^' ''■' "^ '•' Wherefore come 
out from among them and be ye separ- 
ate, saith the Lord, and touch not the 
unclean thing; and I wdll receive you. 
TI Cor. 6:14-17. 

God's clear command should be suf- 
ficient for His people and w^ould have 
always been so if false prophets and 
teachers had not crept in, being them- 
selves full of uncleanness, perverting 
the word of God to excuse and cover 
their wickedness and so leading other 
souls into their pernicious w^ays. II 
Pet. 2 :i, 2. 

But does not this text relate to the 
marriage relation? is asked. It does in- 
clude the sin of God's people being mar- 
ried to the devil's child, but that it 
reaches further is seen in the 17th verse 
where the plural number is used, w^hile 
any association wdth the world or par- 
taking of its sins, is to God- a state of 
fornication ; a sin utterly di.sgusting in 
the eyes of a just and holy Being as 
well as contemptible to those who are 
.walking w^ith their Lord. John 17:16. 
Christ is outside of these things, for 
although His name is sometimes men- 
tioned and the sacred Scriptures read, 
He is only regarded as on a level with 



Mohammed, Guatama and other heathen 
teachejs and philosophers ; while His . 
power to transform lives and His 
vicarious death is denied : their ritual 
is but a mockery and while swearing 
secrecy by the w^ord of God its great 
truths are set aside and its inspiration 
ridiculed ; men who are without a par- 
ticle of salvation are set up as Chaplains 
in these secret by-ways to hell and the 
Christian who by his presence and 
financial aid gives contenance to them 
are partakers of their sins and will also 
bring u.pon themselves of their Judg- 
ments. Rev. 18:4. 

The reason wdiy the Churches have 
become powerless in their services is 
because Pastors and people have affili- 
ated with the world and its Churches, 
No man can have power wdio plays wdth 
temptation and flirts with "the harlots of 
the world," and until the Child of God 
obeys the Holy Spirit in a complete 
separation from its forms and pleasures 
He cannot be "transformed" by the 
power of God: but when w^e have fin- 
ished our flirting with the world we shall 
be received by Him as "His alone," 
when He wall begin a work in us which 
will be ended only when we are "pre- 
sented without spot or w^rinkle or any 
such thing." Eph. 5 :27. 

If w^e walk in the light while we have 
the light we shall become the Children 
of God and the Holy Spirit wdll show 
us each step of the way from our con- 
formation to the world to our trans- 
formation into the first-fruits of God 
and the Lamb. John 12:36. 

"Separate yourselves from the people 
of the land."' 

"Be ye separate." 

"These are they who follow the Lamb 
whithersoever He goeth." Ezra 10:11. 
II Cor. 6:17. Rev. 14:4. 



"It is better to suffer wrong than to 
do it, and happier to be sometimes cheat- 
ed than not to trust." — Samuel John- 
son. 



If the way to heaven be narrow\ it is 
not long; and if the gate be strait, it 
opens into endless life.— Beveridge. 



Tunc, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



BAALIZED RELIGION. 



A person who has never had any 
lodge experiences, or studied the ques- 
tion, can Httle realize the powerful in- 
fluence the lodge has in the church. I 
see this influence cropping out on ever}^ 
hand, and where least expected. 

We liave reached a time when the 
mass of Christians, both ministers and 
laity, have their lips sealed to this awful 
evil', and as our children grow up ignor- 
ant on this subject they are being caught 
in this snare of Satan. While every 
church has some God-fearing members, 
yet they are so few that lodge influence 
carries the day. 

"A wonderful and horrible thing is com- 
mitted in the land. The prophets prophesy 
falsely, and the priests bear rule by their 
means; and my people love to have it so and 
■K'hat zvill yc do in the end thereof?'' 

Only now and then is a minister found 
who dares to raise his voice against this 
awful sin, and he quickly learns how un- 
popular he is. Last wdnter while visit- 
ing in Michigan I was told from what I 
knew was a reliable source, that a minis- 
ter in visiting a church w^as shocked to 
learn that some of his good brethren 
were members of the leading lodge in 
the town. As this particular church 
claimed that they did not take in mem- 
bers until they severed their lodge con- 
nections, he wrote some of the leading 
ministers in his conference of the cir- 
cumstances. 

In due time they wrote liim "If \()U 
would spend your time preaching tlic 
(Gospel it would be much better than 
preaching against the lodge." ^ly friend 
gave me the name and address oi this 
minister so I wrote asking him to write 
me the particulars, promising 1 wouUl 
not use any names. In due time I re- 
ceived a reply in which he said : "There 
was something of that kind that hap- 
pened, but it made so little impression on 
my mind that 1 will not attcm])t to write 
it out." 

Question. What is the Gospel r "I'"or 
T am not ashamed of the (ios))el of 
Christ: for // lv the power of Cod unto 
salrafion to every one that believeth." 

In the great work of salvation what 
is the Gospel supposed to do? "For the 



grace of God that Ijringeth salvation hath 
a])peared to all men, tcacJiinfj us that, 
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, 
■z^'c should live soberly, righleously, and 
(jodly, in this present world." 

The fourteenth verse of the .second 
chapter of Titus shows that wiien thi- 
(iospel gets hold of those who have fallen 
in sin. that it will h'ft them ui) and [;urif\ 
them so they will be a "i)eculiar peo- 
ple." It is recorded of thie Lord's peo- 
ple of old "wherefore God i^ not 
ashamed to be called their God. The 
reason w^as that instead of coveting 
earthly possessions and seeking haj^pi- 
ness in worldly associations they lived 
only for God's glory and for the upbuild- 
ing of His kingdom. His people back 
there were to live so the world could 
receive from them a knowledge of His 
will. 

How is it at the present time, are the 
professed people of God representing 
Him before the world ? I wish to sjK'ak 
reverently of these things, but I liavc 
thought many times that Ciod would sure- 
ly be ashamed of his profressed minis- 
ters who have been ordained to j^reach 
the (jospel, but who have so forgotten 
their holy calling as to go through the 
initiation of an up-to-date lodge of the 
present daw Is he maintaining the 
honor of Christ's name when he stand- 
up and repeats a pra\er in which Christ 
is not mentioned ? 

The Uible gi\-es us a graphic descrip- 
tion of the churches that are in a fallen 
condition and mixed u]) with all manner 
of sins as those are. who are so mider 
the lodge influence that their minister- 
dare not preach against this- awful evil. 
The Bible sa\s of such churches: 
"l)abylon the great is fallen, is fallen, 
and is become the habitation o\ dexiL. 
and the hold of e\ i'r\ foul spirit, and a 
tage ot exci-y unclean and hateful bird" 
Isn't it sad to think that the lodges liave 
stich an influence in the chnrclies that 
thi- deadly -in is winked at ? 

God has gi\rn hi- peo|)le the remcd\' 
in this crisis. We not unecjually yoked 
together with unbelir\ers lint expose or 
repro\-e (hem. "tonie out from among 
them." "And I will reciMve \(»u." And 
let \-onr light ,-hine. 

P. A. G. 



56 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



THE NEED IN GERMANY. 

Over six months ago Herbert Hoover 
realized that German children must be 
fed. as well as-^'the children in Austria, 
Poland, Lithuania, Serbia and Armenia. 
He arranged for the American Friends 
Service Committee of Philadelphia, Pa., 
to take charge of all the feeding opera- 
tions in Germany in order to assure to 
the .Vmerican public that there, was a 
real need and that it would be handled 
in an eftlcient manner. 
American Friends Service Committee 
20 South Twelfth Street, 
Philadelphia. Pa. 



I^ettjg of 0ut WBotk 



Those who realize that the Gospel of 
our Lord Jesus Christ is the remedy that 
must be used to rescue the Russian peo- 
ple from anarchy will do well to write 
to \\m. Fetler, Editor of "The Friend 
of Russia." 1820 Spring Garden Street. 
Philadelphia, Pa., for ways and means 
to help save Russia. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath 
blessed us with all spiritual blessings 
'^ - - in Chnsi.—E pJi. 1.3. 



^lercies are things that we need as 
long as we are in the world, and God 
gives them, not only to His children., but 
to all His creatures^. He makes His rain 
to come on the fields of the unconverted 
man just as truly as upon the fields of 
the one who is His child. But when we 
go to Heaven we shall not need these 
mercies. We shall leave them behind; 
but the blessings we shall never leave 
behind. On the contrary, we shall go 
on to a fuller and larger enjoyment of 
them. —H. B. Barker. 



O what a body of death do I carry 
about! How little can I bear! Flow 
little patience have I under the contra- 
dictions I meet with, and the afflictions 
I meet, how little are they sanctified! 
Instead of growing in grace, I almost 
conclude myself to be destitute of the 
grace of God at all. How can a wretch 
like me ever expect to be of use to the 
heathen, when T am so carnal myself. — 
Win. Carcw 



ANNUAL MEETING 
Of the National Christian Association, 

June 10, 1920. 
The annual meeting of the National 
Christian Association v^ill occur on 
Thursday, June 10th, 1920, at 10 
o'clock a. m., in the Fourteenth Street 
Christian Reformed Church (between 
Throop and Loomis Streets), for the 
election of offic/rs and the transaction 
of other important business. 

JOHN F. HEEMSTRA, 

President. 
NORA E. KELLOGG, 

Rec Secretary. 



The more education a man has. the 
more he needs the power of God. 



IOWA CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 

APRIL 13TH AND 14TH, 1920. 
Report of Committee on Resolutions. 

Your Committee on Resolutions would 
respectfully report : 

Believing that all secret oath-bound 
societies are anti-christian and an enemy 
to the highest interests of the individual, 
the home, and the community as well as 
the Church and the nation. 

1. Be it resolved that we will do all 
in our power to enlighten men and 
women upon the evils of the secret lodge 
system and will both by personal testi- 
mony and the distribution of literature, 
seek to keep them from becoming en- 
tangled with the same. 

2. We recommend that the officers of 
the Iowa Christian Association take such 
steps as seem best to them to work up a 
live Conference for next year; that an 
effort be made to have the pastors and 
two lay delegates from each congrega- 
tion in the state, which have a testimony 
against secret societies at the next con- 
vention. 

3. We recommend that all pastors in 
denominations opposing secret societies 
preach at least twice on the subject to 
their congregations during the year. 

4. We recommend that all the pastors 
of congregations which oppose secret so- 
cieties send a contribution froin their 
congregation to the Treasurer of the 
State Association within the next three 
months. 



Tune, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



57 



5. W'c reconmieiul that all tlic pastors 
act as agents for the Christian Cyno- 
sure, securing as man}' subscriptions as 
possible. 

6. We extend to the pastor and con- 
gregation of the First Friends Church 01 
Des AFoines a hearty vote of thanks for 
their hospitalit}- in entertaining this Con- 
vention. 

Signed by Committee on Resolutions: 
W1LLIA.M K]R^,^^ 
A. II. Brat, 
H. G. Pattersox. 

IMPRESSIONS. 

Since I am asked to write a few words 
as to how the Iowa State Convention im- 
pressed me, I wish to draw a comparison 
between this Convention and the Xew 
York State Convention held a few years 
ago, which I attended when pastor of a 
congregation in the northwestern part 
of Xew York State. I desire to make 
this comparison from one point of view 
— that of attendance. 

Wq cannot say that a great number 
were present at the different sessions of 
our recent convention. It is true, that 
was to be expected in a way ; still the 
Christian people of Des Moines should 
have been better represented. Even many 
of the members of the Friends Church, 
which gave us such a cordial and hearty 
welcome, were not present. In this re- 
spect Rochester did better. A large num- 
ber of Christian people attended during 
the day, while in the evening the church 
in which the Convention was held was 
filled to its capacity. 

And this is as it should be. The 
Church of our Lord Jesus Christ should 
realize that Secretism, as it is reiMT- 
sented in the various orders, is flic ene- 
my of to-day and against which warfare 
must be waged. Christian people should 
show their interest in the anti-secrecy 
hght, and also encourage the great lead- 
ers in their arduous task. 

In another respect the attendance of 
the Des Moines meetings was encour- 
aging and went beyond the Rochester 
meetings. Those present were nearly all 
representati\-e men — pastors and promi- 
nent laymen, representing various de- 
nominations. These men were greatly 
impressed in this meeting with the great 



e\il of the secret society system. .Xearlv 
all bought books of lirother ' I'hillips to 
study the lodge system more thoroughly. 
And they were strengthened in their con- 
victions that the Christian Church mu^t 
make no com])romise with secrecy, but 
o])])ose it to the utmost. Returning to 
their communities and churches they 
will use their influence for good in the 
great struggle. 

Was our Iowa State Convention a suc- 
cess ? To be sure it was. lUu it could 
have been greater, and the next one will 
be a larger success, we expect. 

Rev. C. ]\I.\kixc. ( )tlev, Iowa. 



AFinisters of anti-secret churches seem 
to neglect one of their chief est source.^ 
of hel]). When spending a few days in 
Des Moines, Iowa, in connection with 
the recent state convention, I was strong- 
ly impressed with the importance to the 
anti-secrecy churches of a meeting once 
a month, or once every quarter, for mu- 
tual acquaintance, conference and prayer. 
I am sure such a meeting would be of 
great importance to these churches. The 
Friends Church at Des ?^Ioines was oj)- 
ened for the Convention. The pastor 
will be sure to suffer for his co-opera- 
tion, if it is possible for him to be made 
to feel lodge opposition. I remember 
after a convention in Illinois the pastoj- 
of the church in which we held our Con- 
ference sent up a cry of complaint be- 
cause after holding the Convention he 
said that we left him there alone to bear 
the brunt of the opposition, for which he 
was evidently not prepared. Secretists are 
Satan's strongest cohorts in the Protes- 
tant churches, and they have various 
\\a\s of attacking the luinister. We sug- 
gest that Rev. \\'illiam Kirby call a meet- 
ing of such past(M-s o\ \^c^ ^Foines. as 
l\e\'. .\. Xt^rrbom. of the Lutheran 
Church : l\ev. \. V.. F.aker. of the Church 
of I he P)rethren. and others who stand 
w ilh him on this ([uestion of anti-secrecy. 
W^r. I. PnHJ.irs. 



"We secure our possessions by using 
them ; nothing is ours to neglect or nn's- 
u>e." CORFIT. 



'"The happiness of love is in action : 
its test is what one is willing to (\n for 
others." — Liav W.\r.r..\CE. 



;8 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



June, 1920. 



CONTRIBUTIONS. 

F. O. Sibley (Canada), $50; Dr.. N. 
S. C. Esher (Brazil), $5; H. A. Fischer, 
Jr.. S25 ; George Hampe, $6; J. C. Berg, 
S25 : Dr. I. Ball 50c ; John P. Barrett, 
S2^; R. L.* Park, $15: C. C. Enestvedt, 
S3. 50: Airs. AI. P. Alorris, $5 and $6; 
Airs. C. A. Johnson, $2.50; Elder P. 
Beck, Si ; J. G. Scott, 50c; IVtrs. Georgia 
A. Brown. S25 ; Edward Kimball, $10; 
J. K. Howard, $5 ; Eliza F. Potter, $2 ; 
Airs. D. C. Gibboney, $2 ; Iowa Christian 
Association, $100; Rev. Frank D. Fraz- 
er, S6; Airs. AI. E. AIcKee, $3.50; H. H. 
Ritter, S3. so; G. A'. Dingleberrv, S1.40; 
I. D. Rockwell. Si and $1 ; Airs. J. E. 
Phillips, $10; Airs. Carl Ebeling,' $4; 
Airs. Hedda Worcester, $7; O. N. 
Barnes, S7 ; J. B. Curry Estate, $25 ; 
John Holman, $20. 

From the following Christian Re- 
formed Churches : '"Girls' Society,'' 
Kalamazoo First, $5 ; Holland Central, 
S35.47; Prospect Park, Paterson, N. J., 
S14.14: i6th Street, $18.31, and Burton 
Heights. S15, both of Grand Rapids; 
Zeeland Third. $2.70 ; Chicago, Archer 
Ave., $21.80; Paterson First, $29.10; 
Grand Rapids, Creston, 40c ; Grand Rap- 
ids Neland. $15. 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

By Rev. W. B. Stoddard. 
Alarion, Ind., A/[ay 15, 1920. 

AA'ell has it been said "Man proposes 
but God disposes !" Little did I think 
when sending my Cynosure letter last 
month, that in a few days I should be 
called to the funeral of a dear brother. 
The calling was as sudden as the an- 
nouncement. In this bereavement we 
are reminded that earth's work must be 
hastened for soon we go hence. The 
travel of the past month has been more 
than usual. There was the hurried run 
to the old home, Wheaton, Illinois. The 
return to the Virginia home, and the 
run again to the Indiana field where my 
labors were interrupted by my brother's 
sudden death. 

After learning from our General Sec- 
retary the date proposed for our Annual 
Aleeting, I "lined up" a series of lec- 
tures and sermons to fit in with this ar- 
rangement. Several dates were definitely 
fixed and others are getting in line for 
meeting in Chicago and vicinity. It is 



hoped these may contribute to an inter- 
est in the Annual Aleeting. 

While in Chicago I ministered on Sab- 
])ath to some four hundred people, 
preaching in the morning to the Hum- 
boldt Park Free Alethodist Church. In 
the afternoon I addressed the children 
of the K. AT B. Alission, Lincoln Ave- 
nue, and in the evening the students and 
church at Bethany Bible School Church 
of the Brethren. 

Aly first meeting in Fort Wayne was 
in the Alennonite Alission. I found 
Brother King and co-workers pushing as 
usual in the uplift of those associated in 
this work. Good support was given to 
our work. On my later return to this 
city, I found opportunity to look in on 
the Bible Training School and fill my 
appointment to lecture in the spacious 
hall connected with Pastor H. P. Dan- 
nacker's Lutheran Church. This lecture 
was given under the auspices of the 
Alen's Association. Their orchestra fur- 
nished stirring music while a collection 
amounting to $14.45 was being lifted for 
the good cause. Pastors of several con- 
gregations came to the platform request- 
ing that your representative give lectures 
to their congregations. The general in- 
crease in lodge membership together with 
their inroads in some congregations tes- 
tifying against them, has stimulated 
these faithful pastors to greater activ- 
ities toward the enlightenment of those 
in danger. The "Ben Hurs'' were visit- 
ing Fort Wayne. I noticed cards of wel- 
come in places of business where they 
were likely to spend money. From the 
reports given in the local paper one 
might judge their main object in coming 
together was to dance and parade. At 
least they danced where they got togeth- 
er, and paraded in fantastic garbs be- 
tween dances. How silly and sad such 
conduct at any time, but especially at 
times like this. 

I lectured to a company of young peo- 
ple who gathered in the Hall of St. Pet- 
ers' Lutheran Church, Huntington, Indi- 
ana. There were not as many present 
as there should have been. The best of 
attention was given, and the writer felt 
lasting impressions were made. I spent 
a Sabbath and some week days in my 
former Huntington visit speaking in 
Central College and the Etna Avenue 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



57 



Radical U. B. Church. Being chosen as 
one of the judges of a debate in the 
young men's hterary society, I had spe- 
cial opportunity to size up some of the 
talent there exhibited. Young men arc 
there putting on armor they will 
use, God willing, in battling lodge and 
other evil in the years to come. The 
collections and Cynosure subscription 
contributions were very encouraging. 
Brother Chambers, pastor of the Etna 
our Cause. The College Church seemed 
most happy in the ministry of their new 
pastor — an unusually promising young 
man. y\ll the old friends at the Radical 
U. B. Publishing house were most cor- 
dial of course. Huntington needs an 
anti-secrecy convention and would un- 
doubtedly sustain it well. 

It gave me joy to meet again my good 
friend Rev. A. R. Lembke and family. 
His auto carried me to secure manyCvN- 
OSUEE subscribers. 

I am writing in the college home of 
Dr. A. C. Bedford, President of the 
Wesleyan Methodist College being es- 
tablished in this city, Marion. Buildings 
are in process of reconstruction. Pros- 
pects for a large and flourishing institu- 
tion appear bright. Over one hundred 
thousand dollars has already been con- 
tributed to put the college "^on its feet. 
There is a prospect of a student attend- 
ance of three hundred or more, the Presi- 
dent tells me. There are three Wesleyan 
Methodist churches in this city, all wide 
open to hear the anti-secrecy reform 
message. I speak in' the College and one 
of the outlying churches tomorrow (Sab- 
bath). On Monday evening a lecture is 
planned for a mass meeting of all. Fair- 
mount, Indianapolis, and other cities are 
listed for meetings as I move toward 
Chicago. Truly I may say "Thus far the 
Lord hath led me on." Let us come up 
to the help of the Lord in a general rall\' 
to the Annual AFeeting! 



The shortest way is not alwavs right, 
nor the smoothest the safest, therefore 
be not surprised if the Lord choose the 
farthest and the roughest; but be sure of 
this. He will choose" the \>c<{.- Srirrlrd. 

We need workshop faith, as well as 
prayer meeting faith. — Spurgeon. 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER." 

Hear Cvxcsuke: 

1 got to Los Angeles, California, last 
Sunday, May 2nd, and- began niv work 
that evening. 

I left (Jmaha, Nebraska, on the last 
Monday in April and on my wav here 
s])ent two evenings in Kansas Citv, Mis- 
souri, and gave a testimony for m'v Lord 
and His righteousness and grace' and a 
warning against the lodge as a curse of 
our church and country. 

I said to the minister present: 'A'ou 
may try the great church merger move- 
ment but if you enter into this Inter- 
world Church Movement with all those 
who are joined to their lodge idols, vou 
will never do the people any good, 'for 
these lodge preachers are teaching the 
people that such fellowship is right and 
the people believe the preachers and they, 
the people, do not know that thev are sin- 
ning against the God of Heaven bv bind- 
ing themselves into these orders. ' These 
poor dying men and women are ignorant 
of Satan's devices but the leaders of 
God's people in these lodges are like the 
idolatrous leaders of Israel. Read the 
following description of them: 

"For the people turneth not unto Him. 
that smiteth them, neither do thev seek 
the Lord of Hosts. 

"Therefore the Lord will cut oil from 
Israel, head and tail, branch and brush 
iu one day. 

"The ancient and honorable: lie i> the 
head: and the pr()i)hets thai teachelh lies, 
he is the tail. 

"h'or the leaders of this people causes 
them to err: and they that are led of 
them are destroyed. '" ( Isa. (ri^-uS.) 

Cod says that the rulers are the head 
and the religious teachers are the tail 
and that they together with the ])eop1e 
shall be destroyed. 

(iod help the i)reaclKTs to see wliat 
th_ey are doin^-. (Iod i^ with us. that is 
lie is with I lis Lhurch who servi-s Him. 
but not with the confederacy of jntidels. 
( Isaiah. Chapter 8)— a confederacy of 
Masons, and I'.lks. and Xight-riders. 
Ministers who .-ire Ixnnid up in that sort 
<>l a i-(inlc<KM\'u\- rannol do the people 
an\ o;ood. I |(.ld ilu'in. Tlurc :\vc ^(....1 
nun no doubt in this m-w Inlcrworld 
Church innleration >rovement but they 
will one day find out that these secret 



60 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



luiic, 1920. 



order idol worshipers, are the leaders 
of the movement, and that Jesus Christ 
is the "Stone" which these builders have 
rejected (Psalm ii8). All the church- 
anity in the world, without Christianity, 
will be of no real value. We must not 
onl}- read His ^^'ord, but we must be 
doers of the Word (James 1:22). 

I don't know just how the white folks 
are about living a real Christian life — 
but I do know about my own people, 
for I work among them and the majority 
of them do not know what it is to live a 
Christian life. If you ask them, they 
say: "Yes, I am a Christian, but I can 
not live right down here in this sinful 
world.'' 

\\'ell, when are you going to live 
right ? The answer generally is : "When 
I come to die." 

I said to them: "A^ou are going to 
do wrong all your life, and then do right 
when you die : A dead man can not 
serve God (Psalm 6:5). 

A man said to me on the train the 
other day that he thought the Interworld 
Church Movement would be a great help 
to the preacher who gets a small salary. 
A'es. I said, it will take care of the 
preacher, but if the preacher continues 
to do and live like a sinner he can not 
help anyone get back to God. 

The man said, 'That is the truth, we 
have got to have preachers that live the 
life themselves before they can help us 
out of the snare of the Devil." 

Dear reader of the Cynosure, let us 
pra}- that God shall deliver these preach- 
ers from these secret orders and pray 
also for some man like Paul (Acts 19: 
20) so that the people will bring their 
rituals and curious arts and burn them 

The Word of God is mighty and 
prevails. God bless all of the workers 
of the X. C. A. who are praying always, 
with all prayer and supplication in the 
spirit and watching thereunto with per- 
severance and supplication for all saints. 
And for me, as Paul said, that utterance 
may be given unto me that I may open 
mine mouth boldly to make known the 
mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:18-19). 
Now this verse is for all of us workers. 

Yours for the N. C. A. until Tie shall 
say ''Enough done, come up higher." 
Mrs. L. W. Roberson. 



SOUTHERN AGENT'S REPORT. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson. 

Since writing my last letter, though 1 
have not been well, yet I have filled sev- 
eral engagements and distributed a large 
quantity of anti-secrecy tracts. I at- 
tended the Iberville Baptist Ministers' 
Conference at St. John's (Zhurch, Dorcey- 
ville, Louisiana, and at this Conference 
I taught from the P3ible, lectured, and 
preached a sermon, and when the time 
came for me to take my leave they gave 
me a very liberal offering. The text for 
my sermon was "Hear O Israel, the Lord 
our God is our Lord." I pointed out the 
difference between our God and the gods 
of the Secret Empire. Both the min- 
isters and congregation were very re- 
sponsive. 

I also had the opportunity to visit the 
Leland Academy, at Donaldsonville, 
Louisiana, as well as the public school in 
that town, and at each place was invited 
to speak to the students. While at Dor- 
ceyville, Louisiana, I was cordially in- 
vited by Prof. T. W. DeLong to address 
the students in the school there. Prof. 
DeLong is a splendid teacher and this 
school which he has had charge of for 
35 years is in a beautiful location and 
is well taken care of. 

At Meareauville, Louisiana, where the 
Baptist Ministers' Conference was held, 
I also taught and lectured. I dropped 
in unexpected at the First Free Mission 
Baptist Church of Algiers, Louisiana. 
Rev. AI. Burdelon, the pastor, asked that 
I preach to his audience, which numbered 
about two hundred. I selected as a text 
"What think ye of Christ" and endeav- 
ored to prove from the Word of God 
that the world and a large element of 
church people to-day are rejecting Jesus 
and clamoring for Barabbas, worship- 
ping Baal and bowing at strange altars. 
A good collection was given me. 



It is not so much the being exempt 
from faults, as the having overcome 
them, that is an advantage to us ; it being 
with the follies of the mind, as with the 
weeds of a field, which, if destroyed and 
consumed upon the place where they 
g'row, enrich, and improve it more than 
if none had ever sprung there. — Dean 
Swift. \ 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



61 



FROM OUR MAIL. 

Calvin, N. D., May i, 1920. 
"I think one of Finney's 'Masonry' 
or 'The Masters' Carpet' should be given 
to every young man graduating from 
our seminaries, and who are soon to be 
the pastors of our churches. Lodge pa- 
ganism is greatly strengthened, I take it, 
by the ministers who join it though they 
may not be active but are held in it for 
various reasons. This was my own 
case." Rev. J. K. MacInnes. 



Mr. Albert Bahr of Kansas City, Kan- 
sas, writes: ''We can't do without this 
Httle publication (Cynosure). Must 
have it, if we have to cancel our sub- 
scription to some other magazine to 
get it." ^,^. 



Rev. L. O. Pederson, Forest City, 
Iowa, writes: ''I do like it (Christian 
Cynosure) very much and I am very 
much interested in your Work and be- 
lieve in the principles for which the mag- 
azine stands. And whenever I have the 
opportunity I speak for these same prin- 
ciples. May our good Heavenly Father 
bless your Work." 



A lady writes : "I intended becoming 
an Eastern Star member but after hear- 
ing quite a severe denunciation of all 
secret oganizations I have decided to look 
into the matter a little and see for my- 
self." This was written on March 23rd 
last. On April 27th we received another 
letter from this woman saying, "I wish 
to say that I have decided not to enter 
any secret society." .\ftcr learning the 
\alue of our literature this lady ordered 
a sup])ly that she might have the matter 
on hand to use in warning'- others. 



Rev. P. J. r)Unge. Armour. South l^a- 
kota, writes under date of April 24th. 
"I have been looking eagerly for the dear 
Christian Cynosure, but I could not 
get a glimpse of it, to my greatest regret. 
(Copies miscarried in the mail.) T am 
giving my copies to others as soon as 1 
am done reading them, that the dear 
paper may more effectively perform its 
great missionary work. I am quite sure 



that this is a (jod-gi\cn i)aper of greatest 
imi)()rtance, especially in these times 
which are so full of deceit. hyjKKTisy 
and idolatry. And for us ministers it is 
most refreshing to read a jiaper so full 
of truth and encouragement." 



When Jesus Himself shall appear. 
everything of earth will be left behind 
as useless rubbish. If this be so, what 
manner of persons ought we to be? 
2 Peter 3:11. How loosely we should 
hold to the things of time. Let the truth 
be grasped — this Jesus will come — sure- 
ly, suddenly, soon ! And we shall be lerl 
to see that we are only pilgrims and 
strangers. We shall then order our life 
accordingly. — Selected. 



It TESTIMONIALS ^ 



*Tn secret liave I said nothing." — 
Jesus of Nazareth. 

''Be not unequally yoked together 
with unbelievers. "^Paul of Tarsus. 

''Blessed is the man that walketh not 
in the counsel of the ungodly." — David 
the Psalmist. 

"They are a great evil." — \\'endell 
Phillips. 

"Come out from the lodge." — Dwight 
L.' Moody. 

"We know no government save our 
own." — Grand Lodge of Missouri. 

"By it Christ is dethroned and Satan 
exalted." — Rev. Edward Beecher, D. D. 

"I was completely converted from Ma- 
sonry to Christ." — Pres. C. G. Finney. 

"All secret, oath-bound political par- 
tics are dangerous to any nation." — Gen- 
eral U. S. Grant. 

"Their plan is to keep out any one 
who is likely to need anything." — Presi- 
dent C. A. Blanchard. 

"I have no sympathy with secret oath- 
bound societies." — Rev. W. G. Moore- 
head, D. D., Xenia, Ohio. 

"Thev incite a passion for trickery 
and wire-pulling." — .Mrs. .\. J. Gordon. 
President P.oston W. C. T. L. 

"Are dangerous to the general cause 
of liberty and are opposed to Christian 
principles." — Joseph Cook of Boston. 



62 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



line, 1920. 



TESTIMONIES OF STATESMEN 

T>ANIEL WEBSTER 

American States - 
and Jurist 



man 




miw^ 




DANIEL WEBSTER. 



*'I have no hesitation in saying that how- 
ever unobjectionable may have been the 
original objects of the institution, or however 
pure may be the motives and purposes of the 
individual members, and notwithstanding 
ths many great and good men who have 
from time to time belonged to the order, 
yet, nevertheless, it is an institution which 
in my judgment is essentially wrong in the 
principle of its formation j that from its very 
nature it is liable to great abuses 5 that among 
the obligations which are found to be im- 
posed on its members, there are such as are 
entirely incompatible with the duty of good 
citizens; and that all secret associations^ the 
members of which take upon themselves 
extraordinary obligations to one another, and 
are bound together by secret oaths, are nat- 
urally sources of jealousy and just alarm to 
others; are especially unfavorable to harmony 
and mutual confidence among men living 
together under popular institutions, and are 
dangerous to the general cause of civil liberty 
and good government. Under the influence 
of this conviction it is my opinion that the 
future administration of all such oaths, and 

the formation of all such obligations, should be prohibited by law." — Letter dated Boston, November 

20, 1835. 

GENERAL U. S. GRANT 

"All secret, oathbound political parties are dangerous to any nation, no matter how pure or 
how patriotic the motives and principles which first bring them together." — In his autobiography. 

CHARLES SUMNER 
Eminent American States- 
man, Senator and Orator 

**I find two powers here in Washington 
in harmony, and both are antagonistical to 
our free institutions, and tend to centraliza- 
tion and anarchy — Freemasonry and Slavery, 
and they must both be destroyed if our 
country is to be the home of the free, as our 
ancestors designed it." — Letter to Samuel 
D. Greene, Chelsea, Mass. 

CHARLES FRANCIS 
cADAMS 

"Every man who takes a Masonic oath 
forbids himself from divulging any criminal 
act, unless it might be murder or treason 
.that may be communicated to him under the 
seal of fraternal bond, even though such 
concealment were to prove a burden upon 
his conscience and a violation of his bounden 
duty to society and to his God. 

"A more perfect agent for the devising 
and execution of conspiracies against Church 
and State could scarcely have been con- 
ceived.'' 




CHARLES SUMNl-K 



June, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



63 



TESllMONIES OF EVANGELISTS 



9?£"F. R. A. WRREY 

Superintendent Bible Institute, Chicago, 
Norn) World-Wide E'vangelist 

«*I do not believe it possible for a man to be an intelligent Christian and an intelligent Ma3or 
It the same time." 



"JiEV. GEO. a iHEEDHAM 

The Irish 
Evangelist 



•'The mere recognition of the Bible and the mete ic- 
knowledgment of God is not enough, "and especially when a 
ritual is connected with heathen ceremonies and paganistic 
initiations, does the profession of a belief in God become 
presumptuous and blasphemous." 




REV GEO. C. NEEDHAM 



DWIGHT L. mOODY 

**Give them the truth anyway, and if they would rather leave their churches than their lodges 
the sooner they get out of the churches the better. I would rather have ten members who were 
separated from the world than a thousand such members. Come out from the lodge. Better one 
with God than a thousand without him. We must walk with God, and if only one or two go 
with U3 it is all right. Do not let down the standard to suit men who love their secret lodges or 
k»ve some darling sin they will not give up." 



<J(EV. B. CARRADINE, T>. 2>. 



cM. E. Church, South; 
St. Louis, Mo., says: 



1. The method of initiation is wrong. 

2. These secret fraternities are rapidly becoming clubs and 
convivial gatherings. 

3. Secret fraternities strike at the happiness of the home. 

4. These fraternities rob Christ of his glory. 

5. The fraternity hurts us in the matter of church 
attendance. 

6. The fraternity hurts the church financially. 

7. The fraternities have captured much of our preaching 
ralent. 

8. The fraternity is used by many as a substitute for the 
church. 

9. Many of these fraternities are striking at the sanctity 
of the Sabbath. 




REV. U. CARRADINE 



GEORGE F. PENTECOST, D, D. 

"I believe that Masonry is an incalculable evil and essentially antichrist in its principles an4 
Wxfluence«»" 



CHRISTIAN WORKERS' TRACTS 



MASONIC OBLIGATIONS. 

Blue Lodge Oaths (Illinois WorK) ; Masoriic 
Penalties; Are Masonic Penalti.es Ever Enforced? 
Masonic Arrogance ; Masonic Despotism ; Grand 
Lodge Powers ; Disloyalty to Country ; Our Re- 
iponsibility as Christians; What Can Be Done! 
16 pages : postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A paciage 
of 25 for 25 cents. 

THE OPEN CONFESSION 

By Rev. Dr. James M. Gray, Dean of The 
]Moody Bible Institute. An address on the rela- 
tion of the Christian, and especially the Chris- 
tian minister, to the secret oath-bound lodge. 
16 pages; postpaid 2 cents a copy. A package 
of 25 for 25 cents. 

MY REASONS 

For Not Joining the Masonic Fraternity, by 
Rev. R. A. Torrey, D. D., Dean of the Bible 
Institute of Los Angeles. 4 pages; postpaid, 3 
copies for 2 cents. A package of 75 for 25 cents. 

LODGE BUEIAL SERVICES. 

Should a Christian Participate in Them? 4 
pages ; postpaid, 3 con^p-'=^ for 2 cents. A 
paolcage of 75 for 25 cents. 

THE "GOOD MAN ** ARGUMENT. 

God's Word or the Ofber Man's Conscience — 
Which Should We Follow ? 4 pages ; postpaid, 3 
copies for 2 cents. A pacbag-e of 75 for 25 cents. 

LODGE RELIGION. 

The Fundamental Doctrine, the "Universal 
Fatherhood of God," Discussed and Refuted. 4 
cages ; postpaid, 3 copies for 2c. A pac^a^fd 
of 75 for 25 cents. 

BXPSRIENOE OF STEPHEN MERRITT, 
THE EVANGELIST 

A 138-degree Mason. 7 pages ; postpaid, 2 
oents a copy. A packag-e of 25 for 25 cents. 

CATECHISM OF ODDFELLOWSHIP. 

What is Oddfellowship? Ought Christians to 
Perform Acts of Beneficence and Charity as Odd- 
fellows? Rebekah Lodge. By Rev. H. H. Ilin- 
man. 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a copy; a pack- 
age of 25 for 25 cents. 

ARE INSURANCE LODGES CHRISTIAN? 

The Modern Woodmen of America an iUustra 
tlon. 4 pages ; postpaid, 3 copies for 2o< A 
package of 75 for 25 cents. 

BAPTIST TESTIMONIES. 

From Rev. P. S. Henson, D„ D., Rev. A. JTc 
Gordon, D. D., Rev. Nathaniel Colver, D. D^ and 
others. 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A 
package of 25 for 25 cents. 

PATRIOT AND THE LODGE. 

By Pres. C. A. Blanchard. From a patriotic 
address delivered at Waterloo, Iowa, July 4, 
1912. 16 pages; postpaid, 2 cents a copy; a 
package of 25 for 25 cents. 

COLLEGE FRATERNITIES. 

Consisting of testimonies of prominent edu- 
cators and writers on the fraternity question. 
8 pages; postpaid, 2 cents a copy; a package of 
25 for 25 cents. 

POR WOMEN WHO THINK 

A paper on Women's Lodges, including college socie- 
ties, female Masonry, female Oddfellowship and trif minor 
female orders, and showing the spiritual and moral menace 
of these orders; 8 pages; postpaid, 2 cento a copy. A 
package of 25 for 25 cents. 

WHT I LEFT THE REBEKAH LODGE. 

By Mrs. Elizabeth M. Rull. 6 pages ; post- 
paid, 2 cents a copy. A packagro of 25 for 21 
cents. 



PERSONAL WORK: HOW TO SAVE CHKxs- 
TIANS FROM LODGES. 

By Charles A. Blanchard, D. D., President 
of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, Post- 
paid, 2 cents a copy. 

CHXTRCH. AND LODGE. 

An Address Delivered at Mr. Moody's **Coii«> 
f»ence for Christian Workers," at Northfi«kl« 
Mass., by President Charles A. Blanchard, D. D. 
15 pages; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A pack- 
ag-d of 25 for 25 cents. 

ODDFELLOWSHIP A RELIGIOUS INSTI^ 
TUTION 

And Rival of the Christian Church. 8 pagee; 
postpaid, a cents a copy; a packaare of 25 for 
25 cents. 

WHY I LEFT THE MASONS. 

By Col. George R. Clarke. A Thirty-two De- 
gree Mason, an officer of the Civil War, founder 
of "Pacific Garden Mission," Chicago, and a Chris- 
tian Worker of national reputation. 11 pages; 
postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A paokagre of 25 
for 25 cents. 

GRACIOUSLY DELIVERED 

From Seven Secret Societies. By Rev. E. G. 
Wellesley-Wesley. 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a 
copy. A packag'e of 25 for 25 cents. 

ETHICS OF MARRIAGE AND HOME LIFE. 

Secret Societies in Relation to the Home. 
By Rev. A. C. Dixon, D. D., pastor of Chicago 
Avenue (Moody) Church, Chicago. 3 pages; post- 
paid, 3 copies for 2 cents. A package of 75 for 
25 cents. 

TWO NIGHTS IN A LODGE ROOM. 

Rev. M. L. Haney, a minister and evangelist 
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a seced- 
ing Mason, tells his experience and states his 
objections to the Lodge. A Christian Lodge Im- 
possible. Is the Lodge a Help or a Hindrance 
to Salvation ? 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. 
A packag-e of 25 for 25 cents. 

WHY DO MEN REMAIN ODDFELLOWSy 

By Rev. J. Blanchard. 4 pages ; postpaid, 3 
copies for 2 cents ; a nackagfe of 75 for 25 cents. 

KNIGHT TEMPLARISM ILLUSTRATED. 

A full illustrated ritual of the six degrees 
of the Council and Conimandery, comprising the 
degrees of Royal Master, Select Master, Super- 
excellent Master, Knight of the Red Cross. Knight 
Templar and Knight of Malta. A book of 341 
pages in cloth, $1.50; paper, $1.00. 

OATHS AND PENALTIES OF FREE- 

^ MASONRY 

§ 
As proved in court in the New Berlin trial. 
Also the letter of Hon. Richard Rush, to the 
Anti-Masonic Committee of York Co., Pa., 
May 4th, 1831. The New Berlin Trials began 
in the attempt of Freemasons to prevent pub- 
lic initiations by seceding Masons. These 
trials were held at New Berlin, Chenango Co., 
N. y., April 13 and 14, 1831. General Augus- 
tus C. Welsh, Sheriff of the County, and oth- 
er adhering Freemasons swore to the truth- 
ful revelation of the Oaths and Penalties. 
Single Copy, 10 cents. 



A package containing 20 or more of the above tracU 
will be sent. DoatDaid, for 25 cents. 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
850 W. Madison St CHICAGO. ILL. 




VOL. LIII. 



CHICAGO, JULY, 1920. 



No. 3. 




THESE THREE 

Give me this day 
The faith that Hves undimmed, serene. 
Though cloud and storm may intervene; 
The surety of those things unseen — 
For Faith I pray. ". 

Give me this day 
The hope that anchors fast the soul 
When w^aters wild around me roll; 
That steadfast, sure, sees aye the goal-- 

For Hope I pray. 

Give me this day 
The love unselfish, true, intense, 
That serves in free, unstinted sense. 
And seeks no price nor recompense — 

For Love I pray. 

—Anne Porter Johnson. 




OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAR 



VOL. LIIL No. 3. 



CHICAGO 



JULY, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

Published Monthly by th« National Christian 
Association. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 



:^:. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

^^RICE— Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribe for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In such cases, if we are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not regru- 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wi 
mal^e a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should be addressed to 
Wm. I. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 
Entered as Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 

Rt the Poit Office at Chicago, lU., under Act of 

Mar. a 3, 1879. 



CONTENTS 

"These Three" (poem) Cover 

Presidential Candidates Who are Masons. 67 
The Fraternal Order of Eagles, by Rev. 

John F. Heemstra 67 

The Norwegian Lutheran Synod 70 

Recording Secretary's Report, Mrs. N. E. 

Kellogg 70 

In Memoriam Report 71 

An Appreciation of the National Chris- 
tian Association, hy Bishop D. S. War- 

1 r 

ner i') 

Ea'^tern Secretary's Annual Report, W. B. 

Stoddard 76 

Letter of Rev. Mr. Van den Hock 78 

Annual Report of "Lizzie Woods" 78 

Southern Agent's Annual Report, Rev. F. 

J. Davidson 78 

An Appreciation of the Christian Cyno- 
sure, by Rev. M. P. F. Doermann 79 



Annual Meeting Letters 80 

Ministers as Masons — Buffalo Express. ... 85 
A Sermon, by Charles A. Blanchard, D. D. 86 
Masonic Secrecy — The Fortnightly Reviezv. 91 
News of Our Work: 

A Live Association, by Rev. A. H. Brat. 01 
Eastern Secretary's Report, Rev. W. B. 

Stoddard 92 

Contributions 9.S 

Lizzzie Woods' Letter, Mrs. L. W. Rob- 
erson 94 

Southern Agent's Report, Rev. F. J. 
Davidson 95 



NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 

Vice-President, Rev. Wm. B. Rose. 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. I. 
Phillips. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

Walter Wietzke, A. W. Safiford, G. W. 
Hylkema, Wm. P. Ferries, J. R. Shaf- 
fer, G. W. Bond, M. P. F. Doermann, 
A. H. Leaman, C. A. Blanchard, George 
Slag'er and Thos. C. McKnight. 

LECTURERS. 

Those desiring lectures or addresses 
may write to any of the speakers named 

below : 

« 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 
Falls Church, Virginia 

Rev. Adam Murrman, Slatington, Pa. 

Rev. J. B .Van den Hoek, Hills, Minn. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 
Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24II1 
St., Argenta, Ark. 

Pres. C. A. Blanchard, Wheaton, 111 



There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
saved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus answerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have I 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 



Secretary to Senator Johnson wrote to 
The Literary Digest the following which 
is published in the May number of that 
magazine, Vol. 65, No. 8, page 42 : 

"Senator Johnson and his people are 
Protestants. I might add that the Sen- 
ator is a member of the Masonic Frater- 
nity." 

A fair inference is that the family are 
not church members, and that saying they 
are Protestants is one way of saying 
that they are not Catholics. Evidently 
"Masonry is a good enough religion'' for 
Senator Johnson. 



Presidential Candidates Who Are Masons. 

According the the N ezv Era, an official 
organ of the Council of the 33rd Degree 
of the A. and A. Scottish Rite, S. J., 
U. S. A., for May, 1920, page 235, sq., 
the following candidates for the presi- 
dency are Freemasons : 

On the Democratic side: Vice Presi- 
dent Marshall, 33° ; Senator Oscar Un- 
derwood, 33° (honorary) ex-Speaker 
Champ Clark, 32° ; Ambassador John 
W. Davis, 32^ ; Wm. G. McAdoo, 14° ; 
Senator Hoke Smith, Wm. J. Bryan. 

On the Republican side : Gov. Frank 
O. Lowden, 33° ; Gen. Leonard Wood. 
32° ; Gen. John J. Pershing, Knight 
Templar, 32° ; Senator Hiram Johnson, 
Senator Howard Sutherland. 

Senator Harding is reported as hav- 
ing been an entered ai)prentice, l)Ut to 
have later dropped out of his lodge. 

Nicholas Murray Butler's Masonic 
status is undetermined. So also is that 
of Gov. Cox of Ohio. 

Herbert Hoover and A. Mitchell Pal- 
mer are not Masons. 



Rev. A. B. Bowman, General Secre- 
tary of the Christian Endeavor Society 
of the United Brethren (Radical) 
Church, has these true words to say : 



The great call for evangelism, which 
is going out from the churches, will come 
to naught unless with that call comes the 
call to separation from the world, and a 
consecration to right. 

The Church must be aggressive and 
militant to secure the confidence of men. 
She must fight the moral battles of the 
community. She must stand for clean 
living and for a clean community. She 
must lead the forces of righteousness 
against every form of sin and wrong. 

Let our temperance and anti-secrecy 
principles be»held up. Let our stand on 
Sabbath observance and on divorce be 
declared. 



A pastor in Wisconsin writes: "Mv 
work is no more against individual lodge 
members — the whole Nest of Eagles is 
upon me, trying to dictate io us as a 
Congregation." 



"1 have taught thee in the way of wisdom ; 
I- have led thee in right paths." — Prov. 4:11. 

H you and I go in paths in which the 
Lord is not before us, and not with us. 
we are bound to be smitten before the 
enemy. Does the Lord lead His chil- 
dren to go into the public-house, or nWo 
the dancing-room [the lodge] or into the 
theater? Do you find Him there? Can 
vou count on His presence, being wiiii 
you in such unhallowed jvlaces of resort? 
You are bound to get damage to your 
soul, for you well know that goini; in 
such a path vou part company with the 
Lord.— lohn'R. Caldwell. 



THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF 

EAGLES. 

BY REV. .lonx F. iifj:mstk.\. 

Among the few things that the wise 

Solomon, in all his wisdom, found too 

wonderful and did not know, this was 

the first : "The wav of an ea'di: in the 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



air." This did not apply to "the eagles" 
discussed in this article, but it is some- 
what true of them too, and they would 
have it so. The writer has made some 
study of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. 
This was not done with the purpose of 
publishing this article, but for his own 
satisfaction, the need thereof having 
arisen in his pastoral work. Neither has 
this study been so thorough and exten- 
sive as he would wish, so that there is 
some hesitation in communicating the re- 
sults of his inquiry. Request has come 
for this, however, so urgently that he 
does not feel free to refrain from giving 
others the benefit of whatever informa- 
tion has been gathered and impressions 
received. 

The Fraternal Order of Eagles was or- 
ganized on Sunday, Feb 9, 1898, in Seat- 
tle. Wash. This immediately indicates 
what kind of people were the promoters 
and may be found in it consistent with 
its origin. The men who were the first 
movers were theatrical managers. The 
organization was started in jest, and at 
first meetings were held on Sunday af- 
ternoons on a stage theater. They called 
themselves the "Seattle Order of Good 
Things." Initiations were made in an 
improvised way by use of the stage para- 
phernalia, and the chief business done 
was to impose arbitrary fines, the pro- 
ceeds of which were used to purchase 
refreshments, the nature of which may be 
easily conjectured. 

A more permanent organization was 
effected on March 12, 1898, at which time 
the present name was chosen, suggested, 
we are told, by the picture of an eagle 
on the wall. The charter was issued the 
next day at Olympia, Wash., and the sec- 
ond lodge, called an aerie in this organi- 
zation, was organized at Spokane, Wash., 
on ^lay 28 of the same year. The order 
has had rapid growth from the begin- 
ning. The first Grand Aerie was held in 
May, 1899, ^t Seattle, with two of the 
seven men in charge being saloonkeepers 
and one a theatrical manager. At that 
time there were 18 Aeries and 3,000 
members. At present the membership is 
said to be about 400,000. 

It is of course a secret order copied in 
many respects after the older lodges par- 
ticularly the Masonic, which is known to 
be the mother and model of all, and di- 



rected, no doubt, as in the case of most 
of the others, by Freemasons. 

Like many of the lodges which belong 
to the zoo family, it is fond of much 
parade, pomp, convivialities and carni- 
vals at its gatherings of a general, state 
and sectional scope. Its initiation "work" 
is of a rough character, and it has had 
its lawsuits for broken legs and arms and 
physical crippling generally on the part 
of such as desired to enter into its mys- 
teries. Two cases were particularly 
brought to my attention. The one was 
the case of Thomas Lewis of Butler, Pa., 
who sued the Eagles for $5,000.00 for a 
broken leg sustained during initiation 
and crippling him for life. The gentle- 
man was, of course, sworn to secrecy and 
until suit was filed, a year after it hap- 
pened, it was generally supposed that he 
had sustained an accident in falling from 
a stairway. The other case was that of 
James Humus, reported from Middle- 
town, Conn. Court testimony Vevealed 
tha.t his arm was badly wrenched and the 
ligaments torn at the elbow ; that being 
blindfolded he was laid on a table and 
tattooed with the letters F. O. E. on his 
breast ; that he was compelled to defend 
himself being cuffed about the head; 
that he was thrown about the room with 
straps fastened to his body and furnished 
with handles. 

The Eagles claim to be an insurance 
order of high standing, and ascribe their 
growth to weekly allowances in case of 
sickness, free medical attention and 
funeral benefits. The examination of its 
own reports, however, would indicate the 
wisdom of using the soft pedal in pro- 
claiming its praises in this respect. It 
reported having disbursed some two and 
one half millions in, benefits during its 
first nine years, but in the same time its 
total disbursements had been eleven mil- 
lions, i. e., only 22 percent of its disburse- 
ments had been used for benevolent pur- 
poses. 

Its influence on politics at the last 
presidential election had been such that 
"an earnest warning" from the Grand 
Worthy President was sounded against 
this practice in their official organ, a 
practice in which the offenders stood 
high in honor and position, and that 
while knowing, as they were reminded, 
that "absolute non-interference with the 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



69 



political and religious views of its citi- 
zens is one of the fundamental doctrines 
of the American nation." What will be 
the case in the coming'political campaign 
we will doubtless not learn, but there is 
no reason to think that it will be any 
better, or that the "earnest warning" will 
be heeded. 

It claims as its fundamental principles 
liberty, truth, justice and equality. "It 
bars no man on account of avocation, in- 
sisting that all applicants be white males 
over 21 years of age, of sound health, 
and good moral character." While there- 
fore its liberty, truth, justice and equality 
bar no man on account of avocation, sup- 
posing that there is no avocation that in 
itself involves a question of moral char- 
acter, it does bar for other reasons than 
that of morality, — a principle of equality 
that is made to suit a foregoing purpose, 
lest there be too great a drain on its re- 
sources for benevolent purposes so-called 
and not enough for satisfying the lusts 
of the flesh. 

But what we are most interested in, 
though the above is by no means insig- 
nificant and may be considered a menace 
that all true minded citizens should 
realize and denounce, is the attitude of 
the order toward Christian truth, not of 
the milk and water type, but as revealed 
in the person of Jesus Christ, the eternal 
Son of God, the crucified and atoning 
vSaviour, Who alone is ''the way, the 
truth and the life." 

Like all the rest of the secret empire 
the F. O. E. has its religious tenets. We 
have not been able to secure its Funeral 
Ritual. It considers this among the 
mysteries that may not be revealed, even 
its furneral ritual. (See Cynosure of 
Oct., 1919, page 163). How this can be 
a secret since it is to be used publicly is 
hard to understand, unless it contains 
things that are to be suppressed in that 
part of the burial service that is not for 
the public. This secrecy shows that it 
has no gospel for that must be pro- 
claimed, its very nature demands procla- 
mation. 

The order lays great stress, however, 
on its ritualistic ''work" ; speaking of it 
as a strong factor in securing the ])erma- 
nency of the fraternity, and holding that 
"the history of fraternal organizations 
proves that the only lasting orders are 



those built up about a ritual, with its at- 
tendant symbols and ceremonies. For 
ritualism satisfies a world-wide cravmg 
in man. The stately forms and cere- 
monies constitute for the average person 
a satisfying, ennobling drama, in wln'rh 
he is an actor." Eagle Magaziuc, I'ci)., 
1916. 

From statements that are made in it^ 
Magazine it is perfectly apparent that its 
religious tenets are those of a purely nat- 
ural religion. It insists on belief only in 
a Supreme Being. Such it must do for 
its oath's sake, for, as in Masonry, what 
makes one an Eagle is his obligation. Of 
course it ignores the necessity of a God- 
given Mediator, and repudiates the only 
way of salvation. It speaks of Jesus of 
Nazareth as the founder of Christianity 
standing "pre-eminent as a teacher of 
ethics and exemplar of morals," compar- 
ing favorably among "the leaders whose 
precepts and example have furnished the 
basis for Buddhism, Shinto, Brahman- 
ism, and Mohammedanism." A religion 
therefore of mere morality. 

And notice the type of morality it has 
adopted, after the carnal mind which is 
"enmity against God," for it is not sub- 
ject to the law of God, neither indeed 
can be." Rom. 8:7. I quote from the 
Eagle Magazine of Feb., igi6: "The 
'moral law' is the standard of right and 
wrong by which mankind, through com- 
mon consent judges the actions of indi- 
viduals, communities and nations. It 
may vary in detail according to the de- 
gree of culture ]~)Ossesse(l by a people : 
but its essentials are the same among the 
savage and the civilized. It is embodied 
in the Ten Commandments, and is set 
forth in its highest form in the ( iolden 
Rule." 

The law above described is not the law 
of God. It repudiates His authority and 
has not 1 lis sanction. "The law of the 
Lord is perfect converting the soul."" ""It 
is the schoolmaster to bring u> nnto 
Christ, that we might be justified b\- 
faith." Neither is the Eagles' concejnion 
of the "Moral l^aw" at all moral. // 
takes its authoriiy oid saiictiou 'ui the 
eonnuoii ci)}isc)il of niaukiini. according 
to the general wi^dltm of the world 
which is foolishness with ( lod. It is 
grossly immoral, \\hate\er cl.iini nia\ 
be made for truth and justice (and its 



70 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



claim is a hollow boast, characteristic of 
what men will be in the last days, 2 Tim. 
3:2), it ignores the duty to God alto- 
gether, — so flagrantly that it has even di- 
vested God of His authority as Law- 
giver, If that be not grossly immoral, 
pray, what is it then? 

The conclusion that we reach is that 
the Eagles fittingly bear the name they 
do, these being by God Himself classed 
among the unclean birds. And the ex- 
hortation must be to Christians : "come 
out from among them, and be ye sepa- 
rate, saith the Lord, and touch not the 
unclean thing ; and I will receive you, 
and will be a Father unto you, and ye 
shall be my sons and daughters, saith the 
Lord Almighty." To all others be it 
said : ''Forsake the foolish, and live ; and 
go in the way of understanding." 

As for the'F. O. E. it must be said: 
''the way of peace have they not known : 
there is no fear of God before their 
eyes." "Their foot shall slide in due 
time ; for the day of their calamity is at 
hand and the things that shall come upon 
them make haste." 



THE NOWEGIAN UaXHERAN 
SYNOD. 

Meeting in Minneapolis, June 10th, 1920, 

The Norwegian Synod of the Ameri- 
can Evangelical Lutheran Church, at its 
annual meeting in Minneapolis, passed 
strong resolutions against all secret so- 
cieties and admonished its every mem- 
ber, w^hether clergy or laity, to thoroughly 
acquaint themselves with the tremendous 
dangers of secret society memberships, 
and do everything in their power to rid 
the church of this pest and set up a bul- 
w^ark that will keep this huge anti-Christ 
out of the Church of God's people. 

The rank unionism and lodgery within 
National Lutheran Council was referred 
to as highly un-Lutheran and un-Chris- 
tian and a list of 106 (positively proven) 
names of their leading pastors and the- 
ological professors who are Freemasons 
was furnished the meeting by the writer. 

The undersigned was encouraged to 
continue to bear witness against the lodge 
evil, and Synod asked its pastors to take 
up for thorough discussion the lodge 
question in pastoral conferences and pre- 
sent recommendations at the next annual 
meeting. B. M. HOLT. 

Barnesville, Minnesota. 









f -•■^*: : 



REV. JOHN F. HEEMSTRA, PRESIDENT, NA- 
TIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION ; 
PASTOR, REFORMED CHURCH, 
HOLLAND, MICH. 

RECORDING SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

MRS. N. E. KELLOGG. 

The 52nd Annual Meeting of the Na- 
tional Christian Association was held 
June 10, 1920, at the Christian Re- 
formed Church on 14th street, Chicago, 
Illinois. 

The meeting was called to order by 
the President, Rev. J. F. Heemstra. Rev. 
A. W. Safford of Wheaton, IlL, led in 
prayer and praise service. He read 2 
Chron. 14, and emphasized the thought 
"the battle is not yours ; but God's." 

President Heemstra, of the Reformed 
Church, gave an address in which he 
spoke of the importance of the work of 
the National Christian Association and 
mentioned the fact that it is the only 
organization in the world which is en- 
gaged in this reform. 

The honor of God is assailed in secret 
lodges ; and it is attempted by them to 
break down the testimony of the people 
of God ; against the forces which oppose 
His kingdom and truth. 

The minutes of the last meeting were 
read and approved. 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



71 




REV. WILLIAM B. ROSE, VICE-PRESIDENT, 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 

PUBLISHING AGENT, FREE 

METHODIST CHURCH. 

The Annual Report of the Board of 
Directors was read by the Secretary, 
William I. Phillips, and approved by the 
Association. The report follows : 
Annual Report of the Board of Directors. 

We have had five meetings of the 
Board of Directors during the past year. 
The Board consisted of eleven members 
representing seven different denomina- 
tions, which is mentioned simply to indi- 
cate the interdenominational character of 
the "Board." 

The removal during the year of Rev. 
H. J. Kuiper to Michigan ; and Rev. P. 
A. Kittilsby to New York, and Bishop D. 
S. Warner to Kansas was a loss, re- 
gretted so far as our work was con- 
cerned, but submitted to willingly as we 
believe their departure was providential 
in the furtherance of God's plans con- 
cerning His Church and Kingdom. 

Some special work was accomplished 
by sending Rev. M. P. F. Doermann of 
the Board members, to northern ^lichi- 
gan, and Rev. T. C. McKnight to Ohio, 
and by the appointing of Rev! A. H. 



Peaman to help in the editorial manage- 
ment of the CTiRLSTiAN Cynosure dur- 
ing the absence of the Editor on the Pa- 
cific Coast. JVes. Blanchard, another 
member, though not under apjxjintment 
of the Board, has represented the Cause 
in Conferences and in sermons and ad- 
dresses in many states of the Union. We 
have one and all given some time to the 
interests of the Association which chose 
us for that purpose and regret that other 
interests prevented us from doing more. 

We sent Secretary Phillips into Otsego 
County, New Y'ork, and into Iowa and 
Nebraska where he spent some time in 
helpful service. 

We desire also to mention the helpful 
counsel and interest of our Attorney, H. 

A. Fischer, Jr., who met with the Board 
as often as his business permitted and 
who has always been at its ser\ice when- 
ever needed. 

We appointed as regular agents of the 
Association Messrs. W. B. Stoddard, J. 

B. Van den Hoek, F. J. Davidson, and 
Airs. L. \\\ Roberson. all of whom had 
heretofore served us faithfully and ac- 
ceptably. Secretary W. I. Phillips and 
Miss O. Johnson have constituted the 
office force. There has been during the 
year harmony and cordial co-operation 
among all. We thank God not only for 
the good health of all on the whole and 
the great amount of work accomplished 
by those already mentioned, but for the 
work and influence of the Cynosure and 
the tracts and the force of voluntary co- 
workers throughout our land. We have 
the testimony of men and women who 
have been delivered or kept free and are 
now rejoicing in the fellowship and help 
of God as was impossible before, so our 
work has not been in vain. 

We issued during the year a new edi- 
tion of Modern Secret Societies in cli)th 
and reg"ard it as a special blessing tliat 
this book continues to have such a large 
sale and wide distribution after so many 
years since the first edition. Three new 
tracts, one in Dutch, were added to our 
list and an edition of the older ones was 
also issued. The demand has been so 
great that another edition of some 150,- 
000 tracts (30 dift'erent kinds) must be 
issued in July next if the money can be 
found to pay the bill. 

We have been obliged to increase the 



12 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



price on books and tracts and subscrip- 
tion price of the Cynosure. Printers 
are receiving $12 per day of eight hours 
for time work, and the demand of lino 
type operators has not lagged behind. 
The cost of paper has also been contin- 
ually increasing. We delayed as long as 
possible but finally had to make the sub- 
scription price of the Christian 
Cynosure $1.50 per year. We are grati- 
fied that the Cynosure, Mother of us 
all, has suffered the loss of only a few 
of her children in consequence. 

^^'e have had to increase moderately 
the wages of our stenographer and of- 
fice clerk, and also the salary of our 
Eastern Secretary but we thank God that 
the friends of the Cause have not neg- 
lected in the midst of so many "drives" 
the needs of the Association, as is shown 
by the Treasurer's annual statement. 

We wish to call attention to the ac- 
tion during the year of the Wesleyan 
]\Iethodist Conference of Kansas, as one 
that might prove very helpful if it shall 
be generally followed by the many testi- 
fying churches. We quote : 

"We, the members of the Kansas Annual 
Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Con- 
nection of America, assembled at Miltonvale, 
Kansas, this thirtieth day of August, 1919, 
desire to express our confidence in the Chris- 
tian character of the Christian Cynosure, 
the official organ of the National Christian 
Association of America, and to commend it 
for its bold advocacy of the Bible as the 
Word of God ; and the atonement of Jesus 
Christ as the only way of salvation ; and for 
the warning it continues to give of the hostile 
principles of secret societies to the teachings 
of the Bible, and their hostility towards our 
Lord Jesus Christ." 

W^e recommend to the delegates of the 
twenty or more national denominational 
gatherings to take similar action. We 
believe it would be helpful to them as 
well as to this Association. 

We recommend during the coming 
year a vigorous efifort to raise a substan- 
tial endowment for our organ, the 
Christian Cynosure. As a Board of 
Directors, we favor an endowment of 
$50,000, to be known as the "Christian 
Cynosure Endowment." 

While we are not discounting the great 
service of the Cynosure during the past 
year, we can make it of still greater force 
with sufficient capital to enable us to se- 
cure more help and so give more atten- 
tion to research work. Questions of 



great importance to ministers about this 
or that organization cannot be answered 
often for want of some one with time to 
investigate. The help of able writers 
could be obtained if they could be paid. 
We pay $800.00 to our Editor, but an 
Endowment would enable us to secure 
more efficient editorial service. An En- 
dowment would enable us to pay for 
copies of the Cynosure to reading 
rooms of educational institutions and to 
send sample copies to the clergy of all 
denominations throughout the country. 
The above are some of the reasons why 
we urge a special Drive for a 
CYNOSURE ENDOWMENT during 
the coming year. 

SIGNED : George W. Bond ; Pres. C. 
A. Blanchard ; Rev. A. H. Leaman ; 
George Slager ; Rev. T. C. McKnight ; 
Rev. M. P. F. Poermann; W. I. Phillips. 

The Treasurer's Report was also read 
by Mr. Phillips and referred to a com- 
mittee consisting of Rev. Walter Weitz- 
ky, Chas. E. Nash, and Rev. A. W. Saf- 
ford. 

The Report of the Auditors was read 
by the Recording Secretary. Moved by 
W. B. Stoddard to receive the report. 
Carried. 

May I, 1920. 
To Whom It May Concern: 

1 have examined from time to time as 
per the request of the Board of Direct- 
ors, the vouchers for all disbursements 
for money from May i, 1919, to April 
30, 1920, and believe the same to have 
been justified. I have also proved all the 
footings for the same period, both for 
disbursements and receipts, and have 
found the same correct, I have also 
checked over the Journal, Sales Regis- 
ter, and Ledger, as well as the Cash 
Book and have found them correct. 

1 believe the Treasurer's accounts and 
books are correct. 

Respectfully submitted, 
J. P. Shaw, 

Special Auditor. 
Report of Auditors. 
To the National Christian Association: 

The undersigned auditors of the Na- 
tional Christian Association have exam- 
ined the Annual Report of the Treas- 
urer, William I. Phillips, and have found 
the same correct. We have also found 
that the Securities are on hand as stated 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



7.^ 



in the said Annual Report. We also 
believe that the report of the Special 
Auditor, Mr. J. P. Shaw, is correct. 
Respectfully submitted, 
J. P. Shaw, 

Herman A. Fischer, Jr., 
George W. Bond, 

Auditors. 

The Report of Eastern Secretary, W. 
B. Stoddard, showed: two hundred fif- 
teen addresses given ; twelve hundred 
seventy Cynosure subscriptions re- 
ceived ; and two thousand four hundred 
eighty-one calls made in the prosecut- 
ing of his work. Collections amounted 
to seven hundred eight dollars ; and ex- 
penses of travel $598.52. 

It was moved by W. I. Phillips that 
the report be received with appreciation 
and thanks. The motion was seconded 
and prevailed. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson's report and that 
of Mrs. Roberson and J. B. Van den 
Hoek were also read and approved, and 
it was moved by Rev. J. G. Brooks that 
Secretary W. L Phillips write letters to 
these friends, who labor under great 
difficulties, of our approval and sym- 
pathy. Seconded and carried. 

Committees were appointed as fol- 
lows: Committee on Nominations: Rev. 
H. W. W. Allen, Lexington, Ohio ; Rev. 
J. O. Vos, Chicago, and John Meeter, 
Lansing, 111. Committee on Memorials : 
Rev. W. B. Rose, Chicago; Rev. T. O. 
Lewis, Mt. Carroll, 111., and George 
Vander Wonde, Roseland. Committee 
on Enrollment: Rev. W. B. Stoddard. 
It was moved by Rev. J. G. Brooks that 
if vacancies occur, the Secretary supply 
names to fill places. Carried. 

On recommendation of W. I. Phillips, 
W. B. Stoddard and J. G. Brooks, a num- 
ber of persons — named below — were re- 
ceived as corporate members of the As- 
sociation : 

Mrs. F. Stuart, 427 Elm St., llanford, 
Calif. 

Herman Newmark. "Pensax" 

Chesham Bois Bucks, London, Eng. 

Robert Atchison, Osaka, Japan. 

Wm. Leon Brown, Lawrence, Indiana. 

E. E. E. Bailev. San Fernando, Calif. 

John Meeter. Lansing, Illinois. 

Rev. Walter Wietzke, 6049 S. ^larsh- 
field Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Louis Joh, Halethorpe, Md. 



Mrs. M. Alice Durham, 214 Delaware 
St., Leavenworth, Kans. 

Rev. A. W. Safford, Wheaton, 111. 

Rev. J. Van Lonkhuyzen, D. D., 1018 
Ashland Blvd., Chicago, Illinois. 

Rev. Wm. P. I^'erries, 1 1 32 Washing- 
ton Blvd., Chicago. 

Rev. H. W. W. Allen, Lexington, 
Ohio. 

Fred 11. Wczcman, Oak Park. Illinois. 

Rev. J. R. ShatYer, 153 Institute Place, 
Moody Bible Inst., Chicago, 111. 

Rev. G. W. Hylkema, 10942 Perry 
Ave., Chicago. 

Rev. W. J. Bennett, y^^ Tildcn St., 
Chicago, 111. 

Chas. C. Nash, Three Rivers, Michi- 
gan. 

Rev. J. O. A^os, Chicago, 111. 

A recess of fifteen minutes was taken 
to give opportunity for committees to 
consult. On. returning to business the 
following report of the Nominating Com- 
mittee was given by Mr. J. Meeter as 
follows : President, Rev. John F. Heem- 
stra, 240 15th St., Holland, ]^Iichigan : 
Vice-President, Rev. \\'. B. Rose, 1132 
W. Washington Blvd.. Chicago: Secrc- 
tary-Treasnrer, Wm. I. Phillips ; Record- 
ing Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kellogg, 
Wheaton, 111. Managing Editor Chris- 
tian Cynosure, Wm. I. Phillips. 

Those to serve on the Board of Di- 
rectors were elected as follows : Rew 
.Walter Wietzke, 6049 South Marsh held 
Ave.. Chicago; Rev. A. W. Safford. 
Wheaton, lil. : Rev. G. W. Hylkema. 
10942 Perrv Ave., Chicago : Re\ . Win. I'. 
Ferries, Glen Ellyn, 111.: Prof. j. R. 
Shaffer, Moody Bible Institute, 133 In- 
stitute Place, Chicago : Charles A. 
Blanchard. D. D., Wheaton, 111.: Rev. 
Thomas C. McKnight, C^^^) St. Law- 
rence Ave., Chicago; Rev. .Albert H. 
Leaman, 1907 S. L'nion .V\ 0.. Chicago : 
Mr. George Slager, 4041) (irenshaw St., 
Chicago; Rev. M. P. F. Doerniann. I'lue 
Island, 111., and Mr. George W. Bond. 
Wheaton, 111. It was moved by Rev. J. 
G. Brooks that the Recording Secretary 
cast ballot for general officers and Board 
of Directors as named. The ballot was 
cast and persons named were declared 
elected. 

The Memorial Report was read bv 
Rev. W. B. Rose, and was received and 
approved by association. 



74 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



In Memoriam Report. 

As we gather each year we thhik of 
friends who have formerly labored with 
us who have responded to the call to the 
higher life. A\^e see their faces no more 
until we. too, pass the veil that so thinly 
separates from the life to come. Called 
as we are to labor in various lands, and 
various sections of our own land, quite 
frequently we do not learn of the death 
of some friend until some time after 
their going. Of the Cynosure family we 
shall miss among others the following : 

I. R. B. Arnold, a man of genius who, 
with stereopticon views, startled many 
audiences by his exhibitions of the mod- 
ern idolatry found in the Masonic 
lodges, and so compared it with the 
Ancient W^orship. so that all would at 
once recognize- its relationship as idol- 
atrv. 



Rev. Wm. Dillon, D. D., one of the 
founders and an able leader in the Radi- 
cal United Brethren Church. He was 
especially gifted in debate, and apt in il- 
lustration. He was always ready to re- 
spond to the N. C. A. call to give an anti- 
secrecy address when it was at all pos- 
sible. How we miss his good cheer ami 
kindly help. 



Bishop A\'ilson T. Hogue — a prince 
in Israel. A great leader in the Free 
Methodist Church. While always over- 
loaded with duties incident to his church 
office, his anti-lodge addresses were 
many and always effective. He had a 
great soul and accomplished much work. 



Rev. D. Vander Ploeg. A generous 
soul of large vision. From choice he 
served much in the difficult mission 
fields. He organized several congrega- 
tions. The Christian Reformed Church 
recognized in him a great mission work- 
er. Of genial personality he gladly 
served those in need. His N. C. A. 
support was most cordial. 



Rev. H. A. Day, of the Wesleyan 
Methodist Church, served his generation 
well. He led a following of consecrated 
people who loved righteousness and ab- 
horred iniquity. Naturally as gentle as 
a child, he hurled thunderbolts against 



the lodges and other institutions of in- 
iquity. 

Mrs. Laura L. Foster, the wife of 
Rev. J. M. Foster, D. D., the well known 
Boston, Mass., reformer, was a woman 
of unusual ability. A leader along many 
i:>hilanthropic lines. 



Dr. R. M. Sommerville. A scholar of 
wide research. An unassuming man. A 
pastor in one of the largest Covenanter 
churches. He welcomed our conven- 
tions to his church and advocated the 
anti-secrecy reform. 



Rev. W, P. Johnston. For years 
President of Geneva College, Beaver 
Falls, Pennsylvania, invited addresses on 
reform lines for his students. As pastor 
and educator he led an active life. Many 
will revere his memory. 



J. H. Troutman. Was very successful 
in his business. He did much to aid his 
fellowman. He recognized in the lodge 
an enemy of Christianity. He was gen- 
erous in support of the Lutheran church 
of his choice. 



Mrs. C. G. Fait, the wife of our good 
friend and co-worker Rev. C. G. Fait of 
North Dakota, was a good supporter of 
her husband in his anti-secrecv work. 



Rev. F. Stuart, of the Christian Re- 
formed Church, was a very helpful 
friend in our work. One of his special 
services was in the translation of an an- 
ti-secrecy tract into the Holland lan- 
guage, which has had a wide circulation 
among his church people. 

Rev. C. W. Comin was a L'nited 
Presbyterian of the old school. His 
convictions along reform lines were 
deep and well founded. He faithfully 
served the several pastorates to which he 
was called. He was a Cynosure reader 
and bore testimony to the truth it advo- 
cates. 



Noah Burkhalter was a missionary 
sent by the Mennonite Church of Berne. 
Indiana, to India. His early death was 
a great shock to his many friends. He 



July, 1920. 



CiTRlSTTAX CYNOSURR 



gave his all that Christ might be known 



among the heathen. 



Agnes Wayne vSchoenhut, was one of 
our most faithful helpers in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania. She manifested the cour- 
age of her convictions in a continued tes- 
timony against the Masonic lodge. She 
was always able and ready to ofifer the 
abundant proof of its evil character. Her 
courage, good cheer, and faithful testi- 
mony will be greatly missed by our re- 
form workers. She leaves a noble heri- 
tage in her ten children who "rise up and 
call her blessed." 

Respectfully submitted, 

W. B. Rose. 

Theron O. Lewis. 

Geo. A^\nderwond. 



W. B. Stoddard handed in the roll of 
the meeting which showed that nine de- 
nominations were represented. Free 
Methodist ; Lutheran ; Christian Re- 
formed ; Reformed ; Independent ; Men- 
nonites ; United Brethren Radical ; Con- 
gregational and Methodist Episcopal. 

After prayer, adjournment until two 
o'clock in the afternoon. 



Afternoon Session at Two O'clock. 

Rev. Van Miet, by request of the 
President, Air. Heemstra, occupied the 
chair. Hymns weres ung, and after 
prayer, business was resumed. 

Rev. Robert Atchison of Osaka, 
Japan, gave an interesting account of 
his early life as a miserable tramp ; how 
Avhen "dow-n and out" he went into the 
Pacific Garden Mission, Chicago, was 
converted and for twenty-six years has 
been kept by the grace of God, who has 
made his life useful as a Christian mis- 
sionary. He sung "Rock of Ages" in 
Japanese. - Mr. W. L. Ferris, after 
speaking a good word for Wheaton Col- 
lege, gave his reasons for opposing se- 
crecy, — the chief of which is that lodge 
religion offers salvation apart from 
Christ. 

Mr. Phillips moved that following 
speakers be restricted to five minutes. 
Carried. 

Rev. Charles Nash spoke of ways of 
working against this modern idolatry. 
Rev. Lewns of Mt. Carroll ; Pres. 
Blanchard ; Editor J. L. Logan of the 



Free Methodist, and others spoke briefly. 
Mr. Hoekstra read a brief comprehensive 
arraignment of secrecy. 7\fter prayer 
by President Blanchard and the benedic- 
tion, a recess was taken until the 



At 7 :45 a good audience gathered. 
President Blanchard presided. All 
joined in singing "I Surrender All." A 
Moody Bible Institute quartette sang 
"Peace, it is I." Prayer was offered by 
Rev. J. F. Heemstra. Rev. G. W. 
Hylkema spoke on secret societies, the 
greatest menace to the Church of God. 
He showed that where the lodge flour- 
ishes, churches decay. Rev. H. W. W. 
Allen used the text "Prove all things, 
hold fast that which is good." He 
showed clearly the unfairness of secrecy 
in every walk of life. An offering was 
received, and after the benediction ad- 
journment followed. 



AN APPRECIATION OF THE NATION- 
AL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 

BY lilSTIOP DAVID S. WARNER, A FOR^^ER 
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 




It is with pleasure that I look back 
upon the several years that I have been 
associated with the National Christian 
Association as one of the Directors and 



76 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



as an Officer. I have endeavored to dis- 
charge the duties of my position consci- 
entiously, and have been happy in the 
fellowship of those who from deep con- 
victions are laboring to combat the evils 
of organized secrecy. 

The work of the National Christian 
^Association is of great importance. It is 
rendering a greatly needed, but too little 
appreciated, service to vital Christianity 
to-day, in sounding the warning against 
the lodge through lecturers and litera- 
ture. The Christian Cynosure is a re- 
liable exponent of the anti-secrecy cause. 
At the office of the Association, litera- 
ture is attainable that gives dependable 
information regarding the lodge evil and 
regarding the work of varfous secret or- 
ganizations. 

\Miile riding on the train recently in 
California I met a minister belonging to 
the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran 
Church. He spoke favorably of the As- 
sociation and said he had been sending 
to the Cynosure office for literature to 
help in counteracting the evil influence 
of the lodge. 

They who are bearing the burden of 
the National Christian Association 
should be encouraged by the results of 
their labors. They who contribute to 
the Cause are aiding a helpful move- 
ment. 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

Dear Friends, Co-Workers in the Anti- 
Secrecy Cause : 

In making this, my thirty-fifth annual 
report, I am permitted to rejoice with 
you in the goodness of God in sustain- 
ing thus far. 

Our work is necessarily directed along 
prescribed lines with a resultant same- 
ness. Each year, however, has its spe- 
cial features. Conditions have changed, 
and are ever changing. To secure the 
largest results, there must be an under- 
standing, together with a wise adjust- 
ment. 

For reasons that seemed good, conven- 
tions ha\e not been attempted in my 
field during the year. For a time many 
of the churches were closed because of 
the prevelance of influenza. National 
drives along various lines were urging 
people to their best endeavor. During 
such a time, wisdom seemed to indicate 



the holding of conventions inopportune. 

I have always felt that nothing could 
help in the furtherance of our work like 
the presence Divine. After all it's ''not 
by might nor by power, but by my spirit, 
saith the Lord." Drives are good, but 
there must be grace Divine accompany- 
ing, if the best is to be obtained. 

I have pushed our work especially 
along two lines. The holding of meet- 
ings and the enlarging of the Cynosure 
subscription list. In these I have been 
successful. P^or holding of meetings, I 
have naturally sought those in sympathy 
with the cause. The question is fre- 
quently asked, "Why do you not seek the 
Lodge people first, rather than those who 
know the truth ?" " Many reasons might 
be mentioned for my practice in this mat- 
ter, such as the necessity of support, or 
the good brought the helper, but the fact 
is, I probably reach a much larger num- 
ber of lodge people in this way than 
would be reached by the more direct ap- 
proach. When friends provide a place 
of meeting, they assure an audience. A 
hall could be hired and an audience of 
lodge people sought, but they would like- 
ly be conspicuous by their absence. Peo- 
ple are apt to seek what they wish to 
hear. Lodge people usually mix with 
those who are present because of their 
sympathy for the cause. There is special 
benefit resultant from the stirring up of 
our friends. They are more active in 
reaching others. If I may arouse one 
hundred so that they reach five hundred, 
much more has been accomplished than 
had I taken the time and made the efifort 
to reach that number singly. Lodge 
error is made apparent by a clear applica- 
tion of Gospel truth. Some argue all 
their lives with little resultant good, 
while others bring the simple truth of 
God's word with convincing efifect. It's 
God's message enforced by the Holy 
Spirit that leads to conviction. The great 
sin of the lodge is its rebellion against 
Divine authority. There is little help for 
the individual unless he is brought to 
recognize and yield to this authority. 

At this time all wide awake Christians 
are recognizing the tremendous need of 
special Divine help. The way to the 
Throne of Grace is still open, thank God. 
During the year, I have come in touch 
with some real revivals of "pure relig- 



July, 1920. 



CHRTSTIy\N CYNOSURE 



ion." Prayers are still answered in the 
salvation of men, and who knows but the 
time is at hand when ''Nations are to be 
born in a day." Judgments of God are 
manifest. Is not His mercy still extended 
to the children of men ? Changes are 
coming rapidly. Who shall tell us what 
is just ahead? The Church as the "Light 
of the World, and the Salt of 4:he earth" 
is to enlighten and purify. What mean 
these tremendous movements she is un- 
dertaking? Are these evidence she is 
awaking to her responsibility? If the 
leaven is right, the lump is lifted. As 
usual, I have been helping the churches 
bearing testimony to the anti-lodge truth. 

My record shows 215 as the number 
of lectures and other addresses given. 
This is a gain of 39 over the year previ- 
ous. Cash collections on the field have 
more than doubled those of the year be- 
fore, the amount gathered this year being 
$708.68. 

The number reached through ad- 
dresses delivered in Seminaries, Colleges, 
Bible Institutes, Ministerial Confer- 
ences, Synods, Men's Meetings, Luther 
Leagues, Prayer Meetings, Classical 
Gatherings, etc., probably equal, if not 
surpass those of any other year. The ac- 
customed number of personal visits have 
been made, the approximate number for 
this year being 2,481. Tracts have been 
distributed with care, their cost making 
it especially important there should be no 
waste. 

The importance of a wide circulation 
of the Christian Cynosure can scarcely 
be overestimated. As the mouthpiece of 
the Association, our voice depends on its 
continuance. There could be no co-oper- 
ation without a knowledge of what has 
been done, and what is needed. It i'^ 
now the Cynosure to many eyes. It 
should be to multitudes more. New 
eyes are seeing its light ; others need it. 
Recently a lady keeping a neat grocery 
store said to me, "Mr. Stoddard, do you 
really think the lodges are wrong?" I 
replied, "It would seem strange I should 
have spent thirty-five years of my life in 
opposing them if I thought otherwise." 
That lady should read the Cynositri:. In 
securing Cynosure subscriptions I have 
also ''gone over the top" as they now say. 
The record is twelve hundred and sev- 
enty, amounting to $1,427.50. When 



necessity comi)clk'(l the acKance in price, 
I had fears many would feel they could 
not continue their subscriptions. In this. 
I have been happily sur]3rised. \'erv few 
decline to renew. Many continue who 
must make personal sacrifice in so doing. 
]{vidently, our efiforts are commending 
themsehes to those who know us best. 
May the Cynosure Star long continue 
its lumination ! 

Expense of travel is, of course, some- 
what increased but as yet not alarmingly 
so. Is it because friends know the need 
of the times, they have been so hos- 
pitable ? W^ith the increasing lodge mem- 
bership, the world grows selfish. As 
people are taught to help the strong and 
those who are able to help themselves, it 
could not be otherwise. The Christ 
spirit prompts us to acts of kindness. I 
wonder at times at the repeated kindness 
offered by our friends. Sad will be this 
world if the time ever comes when the 
selfish lodge idea dominates. My travel- 
ing expenses have amounted to $598.02. 
I have revisited fields, formerly culti- 
vated, but have also found opportunity 
to enter new doors that opened. One 
month each was given to work in Iowa 
and Michigan with good success. New 
points in Maryland and \'irginia have 
?)een reached. There was some enlarge- 
ment in the Pennsylvania. New York 
and New Jersey fields. While points in 
Ohio and Indiana could not be reached 
as there was invitation, something has 
been accomplished there. Accustomed 
success has attended efforts in Chicago 
and other Illinois points. It seems indeed 
wonderful as I review the travel, the dis- 
comforts resultant from war and disease, 
that ( jod has permitted me to attain what 
the record shows. Surely none but the 
Divine hand could have thus led through 
nights of adversity to a day break of 
victory! There are many valleys in tlu' 
Christian reformer's jiathway. bnl ihcy 
lead to mountains of rejoicing. 

Lodges li\e on ground that is Spirit- 
ually low. where the atmosi)here is foggy 
and chill. They naturally flourish in the 
night. "Light shall arise for the right- 
eous and gladness for the upright in 
heart." Christians flcnirish best where 
the sun shines in its beauty and the at- 
mosphere is clear. The war may come ; 
the clouds darken the horizon ; the thun- 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



ders roll and lightnings flash, but there 
follows the shifting and sifting, the 
cleaning up and out. The clouds are 
dispelled and the glad, bright day bursts 
forth in all its beauty and glory. "In that 
day, it will not be necessary to say one 
to another, Know^ the Lord, for all shall 
know him, from the least even unto the 



greatest. 



(Rev.) W. B. Stoddard. 



LETTER OF REV. MR. VANDEN 
HOEK. 

During the year, that has gone by I 
have been led to give some lectures plac- 
ing tracts and books and the Cynosure 
wherever I could. 

The writer is fully convinced that his 
work for the Cause of the National 
Christian Association was not strong in 
any sense of the word, but he did what 
he could, hoping and praying that his 
frail efforts were not in vain. 

Secretary Phillips did all he could to 
help me along and always tried "to en- 
courage me. I thank the Association 
for the trust placed in me. 

My work in Iowa, South Dakota, and 
Minnesota has been reported from time 
to time in the Christian Cynosure. 

I pray that others may be led by 
Divine Providence to desire the labors, 
which I cannot continue now. 

^lay our Lord guide you all in the 
difficult work to which you are called 
in the Annual Meeting and further on 
for the future. 

]\Iy prayers will be with you on June 
loth. 

Yours in Christ with fraternal 
greeting. 

Rev. J. B. Van den Hoek. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF "LIZZIE 
WOODS." 

IVIr. President and Cjfficers and Members 

of the National Christian Association : 

I thank God I am still alive and able 

to make to you my eighth annual report. 

I can report victory. The Lord has 

blessed my work. I have taught the 

people as God has given me grace. I 

have learned long since that we can do 

nothing without Christ (John 15:15). 

We know nothing without him. We can 

think nothing of ourselves (2 Cor. 3 

and 5:6). We have nothing in ourselves 

(i Cor. 4:7). The Word of God with 



the life of Christ indwelling us will con- 
quer the enemy. The spirit and life is 
in the Word (John 6:63). I have been 
like Asa (2 Chron. 14:11) "Asa cried 
unto the Lord his God, and said. Lord, 
it is nothing with thee to help, whether 
with many, or with them that have no 
power ; help us, O Lord our God ; for we 
rest on thee, and in thy name we go 
against this multitude. O Lord, thou 
art our God ; let not man prevail against 
thee." 

As I go from house to house and city 
to city my soul is grieved for the sons 
and daughers of my people. 

T read about the Interchurch World 
Movement trying to get money to take 
better care of their preachers. After all 
w^hat good will it do the preachers that 
are in the secret society work of the 
Devil, or their congregations? They 
will never be able to help the people for 
their lodgery is the very thing that is de 
stroying this country.- 

If we show them the sin of the lodges 
they say *'you ought to be killed," but 
these ministers will have to give account 
to God, for He sent them to watch for 
the souls of men (Heb. 13:17). Jesus 
said, ''feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17 
and I Peter 5 :2-4) ''feed the flock of 
God." A flock of sheep (Math. 25:33) 
— not goats, not a flock of Elks, but 
sheep. 

Since the last Annual Meeting I have 
lectured in thirteen different states : Ne- 
braska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indi- 
ana, Ohio, New York, Virginia, North 
Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Michi- 
gan and California. I met many, many 
white and colored people and of all de- 
nominations and nearly of all nations. 
And they were blessed by my ministry 
in the Word of God. It cleans the people 
up (John 15:3). 

I pray God's blessing on the meeting 
and enclose two dollars towards the ex- 
penses of the meeting. 

Yours in the work, 

Mrs. Lizzie Roberson. 



SOUTHERN AGENT'S ANNUAL 
REPORT. 

To the Annual Meeting of the National 

Christian Association. 
Dear Brethren and Sisters : 

Through the merciful kindness of 
God, our dear Heavenly Father, we are 



Tiilv, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



79 



again permitted to submit our Annual 
report for your prayerful consideration. 
I am unable to subinit a full report as 
I can only find a record of my 19 19 re- 
port from September, 1919, to May i, 
1920, the remainder having been mis- 
placed by some means. 

I have delivered fifty lectures, forty- 
three sermons, made 405 house to house 
calls, secured eighty cash Cynosure sub- 
scriptions. Receipts from all sources 
for the National Christian Association 
have been $103.84. May expenses have 
been $28.78. I have attended three Bap- 
tist Associations and three Executive 
Board Meetings where antisecret testi- 
monies were given. I have also held 
five Bible Institutes for public ministerial 
instructions. I have been ill a greater 
part of the year, hence my inability to 
do much for the Association, and I trust 
you will all remember me in prayer. 
\Mshing you God's richest blessings on 
the Association and its Annual ^Meeting, 
I am 

Yours in brotherly love. 
Rev. Francis J. Davidson. 

Xew Orleans, Louisiana. 



AN APPRECIATION OF THE CHRIS- 
TIAN CYNOSURE. 

BY REV. M. P. F. DOERMANN. 

"Men love darkness rather than light" 
that is the reason for the fact that secret- 
ism is on the increase ! 

It requires a great deal of work and 
care to obtain a good garden. Even in a 
good garden weeds sprout more readily 
than good seed. Constant care and dili- 
gence with the hoe is necessary. Where 
the use of the hoe is neglected there 
weeds will thrive and greatly hinder the 
good things in a garden and even make 
them impossible. So even in Christian 
Congregations secretism has its adher- 
ents ! It is unpopular to weed and to 
use the hoe where secrecy is taking root. 
But when these fast spreading weeds of 
secretism are neglected the good seed of 
the gospel has a hard time of it. These 
weeds grow while the congregation 
sleeps ! And what makes the matter all 
the more dangerous — a great many peo- 
ple, even some "gardeners," seem to be 
unable to distinguish these weeds from 
the wholesome plants. We all know 
that in the garden of the Lord worship. 




REV. M. p. F. DOER:\rANN, PASTOR, OHIO 
SYNOD LUTPIERAN CHURCH. 

love, charity, and all the Christian vir- 
tues do grow and we all love to see the 
fruits they bear, and when some men find 
that in lodgery there is "some" worship, 
"some" religion, "some" charity, "some" 
virtues, thev are satisfied with tlieir scru- 
tiny and call lodgery a good thing. \\"liy. 
yes, "just as good as the church." 1 lere 
lies the real danger of secretism in it> 
secret tendencies, its secret tapping of 
the streams of life. 

But what has the Cynosure to do with 
all this ? \'ery much indeed ! Lor over 
fifty yearns its life has been devoted in n 
very particular way to the exposure of 
secretism. That is, it has endeavored to 
teach its readers all about these noxious 
weeds in the Master's garden, it has ex- 
posed their roots and their habits : it has 
shown forth the finished fruit of these 
weeds as a warning to all. It has given 
information to inquiring individuals and 
has become a kind of clearing-house on 
Lodgelore. Now to combat an evil the 
first necessary thing is to know the evil 
thoroughly. \\'e implicith' believe, that 
if our people really knczv' this thing called 
Lodge, every Christian soul would rise 
up in arms against it. What we need 



80 



CHRIST] AN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



more than anything else is real practical 
knowledge on this problem. We would 
that the Cynosure might be read in 
every Christian home. We have been 
reading it for over twenty years and it is 
and has been doing noble work. It has, 
through the grace of God, opened the 
eyes of a great many, and many others 
bv it have been kept watchful and faith- 
ful. 

It has been a great help to me person- 
ally. Wt all need a friendly word, an 
encouragement, and admonition as the 
case may be. The able writers for the 
Cynosure place the gift the Lord has 
given them at your service but we would 
like these things to be available to a 
great many more than are reading the 
Cynosure now. The Church needs 
these truths more than ever in these days. 
Therefore I would make an appeal to 
every reader of the Cynosure : Let each 
subscriber get at least one new subscriber 
for this magazine. That will double its 
strength and service. If that new sub- 
scriber be a lodge brother all the better. 
Particularly read it yourself. We want 
readers not simply subscribers ! Come, 
lend a hand, the Lord has need of you! 
Blue Island, Illinois. 



ing and evening sessions. He also en- 
closes a contribution for the work. 



ANNUAL MEETING LETTERS. 

President A. F. Wiens, Bethany Bible 
School, (Church of the Brethren) re- 
grets his inability to be present because 
of the Church Conference in Nebraska 
which he has to attend. He writes: "If 
in the future I can be of service to the 
Cause I am willing. 

"May the Lord bless you abundantly 
at the Annual Meeting." 



The widow of our late helpful friend 
Rev. F. Stuart writes from Flanford, 
California, of the loss which she feels 
so keenly and encloses a contribution to 
the Association and writes: "My hus- 
band was always greatly interested in 
your work, which interest I shared. May 
God bless you in your work. May 
vSatan's power be broken and God's 
kingdom come.'' 



Rev. J. G. Brooks, a Congregational 
pastor, writes thanking us for a notice 
of the Annual Meeting and says that he 
expects to be present at both the morn- 



Elder Philip Beck, Woodland, Cali- 
fornia, now in his 84th year, has abated 
his interest in the Association not one 
jot or tittle. Neither has he ceased his 
labors for in his letter to the Associa- 
tion he not only contributes to its ex- 
penses but also remits for literature 
which he may use. He writes: "I hope 
and pray that God's spirit may be given 
in large measure to all those attending 
the meeting of the Association. May 
God bless you all is my prayer."' 



Our good friend, Louis Job, of Hale- 
thorpe, Maryland, writes, "I hope the 
time will come when we can put the 
Cynosure in the hands of every Chris- 
tian minister in this country of ours. I 
know that many of the lodge ministers 
will pay no attention to the warning, but 
we will have done our duty. 

"There is one thing I like about the 
Cynosure, that is, that it never spreads 
any error regarding the doctrine of sal- 
vation, always teaching that we are 
saved by faith and must trust in the 
merits of Christ only and that our 
works have no part in our salvation 
whatever. May God grant us a suc- 
cessful meeting at Chicago." 



Boston, Mass., June 7, 1920. 

As you gather in the Annual Conven- 
tion, may it be the pleasure of our New 
England Christian Association to extend 
to you our most hearty greetings, and to 
bid you Godspeed. Each year no doubt, 
some of the once familiar faces are 
missing, and their voices not heard. We 
need to get new recruits and close up 
the ranks. We must go forward ; there 
is no such thing as standing still in our 
reform. Never in the memory of most 
of us has our country as a whole been 
so unsettled, or such unrest felt. We 
hardly know what to expect next, but 
we have confidence in our Leader, and 
He has promised to be with us alway, 
even to the very end, so we need not be 
afraid. 

Trusting that your convention will be 
blessed of the Lord ; and His councils 
prevail, and enclosing a trifle to help. 
Cordially, In His Name, 
Anna E. Stoddard, Cor. Secv. 



July, 1920. 



CilRISTlAX CVXOSL'Rh 



SI 



Wm. Leon Brown, merchant at 
Lawrence, Indiana, writes: "Of course. 
I would very much hke to attend the 
Annual Meeting on June lo, but situ- 
ated as I am now, that would be next 
to impossible. May every blessing rest 
upon the meeting. 

"I heard Brother Stoddard on a re- 
cent Sunday evening in Indiana])ohs. I 
could not but think it a pity that so good 
a speaker and a man with such an im- 
portant message had so small an audi- 
ence. This, of course, is becaus^,^ men 
love darkness rather than light." 



Mr. W. E. Shaw of Kansas City, 
Missouri, writes: "I read the announce- 
ment in the Cynosure of the Annual 
Meeting on June lo. Of course I did, 
for I always read every item in every 
number of that magazine. 

"I would like to be able to give all my 
time to advance the work of the X. C 
A. and to warn church members espe- 
cially against secret societies. 1 have 
never been a member of any of them 
except the Good Templars. I try to 
make the best use possible of all liter- 
ature I can get on the subject of secret 
societies, and hoping to have the privi- 
lege and means of doing more in the 
future." 

Another friend in Kansas City, Mis- 
souri, Mr. J. K. How^ard, writes : "You- 
may depend on me for all the aid my 
faculties and means are cai)ablc of. — 
because I believe that the salvation of 
the LTnited States of America, from i)er- 
version and subversion greatly (le]3ends 
on the efforts of the National Christian 
Association to arouse the citizens na- 
tionally to consider the absurdity of 
electing members of secret societies to 
legislate for one hundred million citizens 
of the United States." 



Our good friend. Prof. ]. R. Millin, of 
Knoxville College, Knoxville, 1\Min., 
writes: 'T wdsh I could attend the An- 
nual Meeting. But I can not and 1 hope 
that the meeting will show no letting 
down of effort, no waning of enthusi- 
asm or of hopefulness, l^he Cause is a 
great cause and it is a hard cause ])e- 
cause Satan can not afford to surrender 
his most useful and most formidal)le in- 



stitiiticjn — the secret Icjdge system. It is 
the bulwark of Antichrist in our da v. 
Not only that, but it is Satan's most 
powerful aggressive force for the over- 
throw of the Christian religion. The 
war that is on is the Lodge Hun vs. the 
Christian Church, with a considerable 
l)art of the Church pro-hun. We look 
and wonder and begin to stagger in be- 
wilderment and doubt, then we read 
again Alatthew 15:13 and take new cour- 
age. "The saloon must go!" It went. 
"The Lodge must go!" This is a harder 
task, but we or others shall live to say 
"It went." 

There is no place to stop till we ar- 
rive over the top. That's right. Here 
is a mite to help pay expenses. With 
best wishes, I am sincerely your co- 
worker. 



From our Canadian friends comes the 
following from Mr. F. O. Sibley, Czar, 
Alberta : 'T received your kind remem- 
brance asking me to be present at your 
Convention on June 10. I regret very 
much that I cannot attend Init thank voii 
for the invitation. I hope to be of more 
service to 3'our Association in the future 
and with best wishes for a good Annual 
Meeting, I am." 

L. Hacault of Ih-uzelles, ^Fan.. w]:<:i 
has written many items" for the Cvxo- 
SURM. says, "Your kind circular regard- 
ing your Annual ^Meeting is received. 

"llow glad I would l)e to be able to 
meet you {W. \. I'hillips) awd Presiderii 
Blanchard at this meeting, but age and 
travel are the obstacles. You know 
how }'oiir Ikdgian Associate member is 
fighting lor the same Christ against tin- 
same Satan, is always sxnipalhetic and 
interested in \()ur Chri>tian work. C)f 
coin-se we will pra_\- the Lord ( )rcnu-i> 
/TO iiri'cccni — and lahorciiir. 



Mv. \\ . Patterson oi Howes Cave. 
New ^'ork, writes: "I would Wkc wvv 
nuich to be jn-esent on the. 10th at lb-' 
.\nnual .Meeting but cannot. 

"N'ou ha\e my sympathy and co-ojier- 
ation in raising a standard o{ righteous- 
ness for the ])eopk' against the worship 
of P)aal. the god o\ the lodge. This 
standard is one of the ancient land- 
marks our fathers set which I have been 
contending for fort\- \ears. Since Dr. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



Blanchard was Editor of the Christian 
Cynosure the magazine visits to my 
home has been unbroken all these years 
— in fact it is a part of me. 

•'God bless all you good people. Be 
strong and of good courage. God 
brings victory out of seeming defeat 
through the efforts of the few. In 
Jesus' might we'll stand and fight and 
drive this battle on." 

^Ir. R. A. ]\IcCoy, Princeton, Indiana, 
for many years a supporter of the N. 
C. A.'s work, writes : "I have been 
working in the interest of the antisecrecy 
cause for more than forty years and 
was never more sure than now that the 
secret lodges have come from the Pit. 
They are doing more to ruin the Church 
by sapping the vitality and spirituality 
of her than any other thing. The 
lodges have a Cain altar without any 
blood to atone. My prayer is that you 
may be guided by the Holy Spirit and 
that you may be bold to declare the full 
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Cry aloud 
and spare not but lift up thy voice like 
a trumpet. Show Israel their transgres- 
sions and the House of Judah their 
sins.'' 



Seattle, Wash., May 28, 1920. 
Fellow Workers in and for Jesus Chr/st 
and His Kingdom, gathered in Na- 
tional Christian Association Con- 
vention : 
x\s a humble fellow worker of thirty 
years in your uncompromising fight 
against all Christless religions, I wish 
and pray upon you the blessing and 
guidance of the Holy Spirit — the Spirit 
of Truth and Prayer — in all your delib- 
erations and resolutions, for though 
your work is of negligible quantity to 
the money-serving press it is of momen- 
tous importance to the many lonesome 
souls — often tempted to despair — as you 
strengthen them in the often seemingly 
loosing fight. Your w^ork is unique and 
'many are looking to your convention for 
inspiration and to your splendid paper 
Cynosure for the complete and bracing 
testimonies of speakers and seceders. 

For the Church to slacken in its battle 
upon all the forces of evil, of unbelief 
and w^orldiness in all forms, would be 
to give up the cause of Christ and the 



salvation of souls. And the temptation 
to give up is tremendous today, when 
the influence of the many counts more 
than the power of the Spirit, when pas- 
toral success is measured by the maxim 
of the world — dangerous in secular mat- 
ters — -ruinous in spiritual matters : 
"Nothing succeeds like success." For 
this means nothing less than that "the 
end justifies the means," that it is of no 
account what message you bring, what 
means you use and whither it all leads 
as long as you succeed outwardly in 
number of people, dollars and houses. 
The worldling pastor builds not his suc- 
cess upon the rock of skulls, where di- 
vinity was crucified for our sins but on 
the mound of gold, where humanity is 
crucified for gain. And under this dam- 
nable standard of success many pastors, 
who started out with the intention of 
being true to the ideals of Jesus Christ 
and the ideals of their first love, are 
giving up with a despairing: ''What is 
the use?" "Ofifenses must come, but 
woe be unto him by whom they come !" 

Under the flood of rationalism and 
materialism in the church of today the 
Christlife is drowned in the hearts of 
men, who in the ice cold water of mod- 
ern theology, human reasoning and 
worldly methods have got spiritual 
cramps so that they can neither swim 
nor call for help and just sink. Let 
the Church cease for one year to rave 
and rage against the godlessness of the 
outsiders and take seriously hold of the 
godlessness of the insider, the pastor, 
the bishop and the church papers and at 
the end of such a period of publican 
self examination and self condemnation, 
God might show mercy to the sinner, 
and then the world might listen again 
without a sneer to the call of the 
Church, the Word and the Spirit. You 
can no more make the world listen re- 
spectfully to the preaching of worldling 
preachers and churches than you can 
make a young man take seriously the 
testimony to Christ from a girl in the 
embrace of the dance. 

How it strikes terror to many a true 
Christian pastor to see the maelstrom of 
materialism and amusement-madness 
possessing — not only the world, for that 
is but to be expected — but church mem- 
bers. What does it mean that dancing 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



83 



masters are appealing to the Church to 
stop warning the young against dancing ? 
Would they have dared to offer that to 
Paul, Luther, Wesley or Moody? Well, 
why do they dare to offer it to the 
Church leaders today ? Who has changed 
attitude toward these things — the world 
or the Church? Think it over! The 
young of the Church — and, God pity 
them, the older ones, too — are being 
dragged into the vortex and sucked down 
with the speed of the 20th century. 

And how has the Church in many 
places fallen down? Instead of meeting 



is written." And Satan left Jesus, when 
he saw that Jesus was "narrow-minded" 
enough to follow the old method. That's 
more than the churches that follow 
Satan's methods can accomplish. He 
does not fear his own weapons. He is 
too familiar and immune to them. The 
Law and Gospel are the weapons he 
fears. And Calvary is the ground upon 
which he cannot stand. There he must 
beautifully leave us alone. Great con- 
ventions, comijinations and collections 
are wonderful in the service of the 
Spirit ; but no human institutions of the 




ROYAL pal:\is. axcox hospital grolxds. caxal zoxe. 



the onrushing stream of soul-destroying 
worldliness with the pow^erful and un- 
compromising denunciation of the 
prophets and apostles they meet it with 
liberalism, modernism, halfwayism and 
a "pardon us for differing with you." 
Pastors are today trying to build up the 
Kingdom of God with the very means 
that the Devil so far has used to tear 
down the kingdom, and many worldly- 
wise claim that it is a sui>€rior wisdom 
to meet the devil on his own ground and 
with his own weapons. No, dear 
friends and fellow soldiers, let us meet 
Satan with God's own weapons on His 
own ground, wdiere Jesus stood in the 
hour of temptation, as he hurled at 
Satan the old-fashioned weapon of: "It 



hugest proportions can fill the ga|) left, 
where the Spirit should have dwelt — 
no, not in one single heart. 

Round about us pastors, who once 
were true to Christ are letting down the 
bars to let the crowd in. Their only aim 
is to fill the church with people and not 
to fill the people with Christ, and so tliey 
give up the testimony against all that 
people hate to sacrifice from the dance to 
the lodge, and the slogan becomes: 
"long programs and sluM't sermons." 

Dear fellow fighters, let our slogan 
be: "Rack to Christ and the back to the 
world." 

Yours in Christ, 
(Ri:v.) P>. K. P.^Rr.F„sRX. 



84 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 




WHEN THE SlIEI'TTERDS ARE MASONS, AEAS FOR THE SHEEP. 



MINISTERS AS MASONS. 

Team Composed of Episcopal Clergymen 

Confers Second Degree. 

An event which attracted a large num- 
ber of members of the fraternity to the 
]\Iasonic temple last night was the con- 
ferring of the second degree upon a 
class of candidates for Hiram lodge, No. 
105, by a team of acting officers com- 
posed entirely of Episcopal clergymen, 
under invitation from the master of the 
lodge, E. Earle Axtel. 

The men who officiated last night 
were : ^Master, the Rev. Charles D. 
Eroughton, rector of the Church of the 
Ascension, who is also a grand chaplain 
of the grand lodge of this state; senior 



warden, the Rev. George F. Williams, 
rector of Saint Mary's Church; junior 
warden, the Rev. David H. Weeks, rec- 
tor of the Church of the Epiphany, Ni- 
agara Falls ; chaplain, the Rev. Walter 
R. Lord, rector of Saint John's Church ; 
senior deacon, the Rev. H. W. deMau- 
riac ; rector of Saint Matthia's Church, 
East Aurora, junior deacon, the Rev. 
F. W. Abbott ; senior master of cere- 
mony, the Rev. Edward J. Stevens, 
rector of Saint Simon's church ; junior 
master of ceremony, the Rev. John 
Darling, rector of the Church of the Ad- 
vent, Kenmore ; senior steward, the Rev. 
David L. Leach, rector of Saint Mark's 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



85 



church, Warsaw ; junior steward, the 
Rev. F. M. Marchant, rector of Saint 
Mark's church, Orchard I'ark; marshal, 
the Rev. John N. Borton, curate of 
Saint Paul's church. — Buffalo Express 
{N. Y.) June 12, 1920. 



WHAT LED ME TO TAKE A PUBLIC 
STAND AGAINST FREEMASONRY. 

My first acquaintance with and 
knowledge of Freemasonry was while at- 
tending school in 1867-68 at the Boston 
Theological Seminary, now Boston Uni- 
versity School of Theology in 1867-68, 
where the Independent, published by 
Henry C. Bow^n, came to our reading 
room. In it were published two or three 
articles revealing the secrets of Free 
Masonry, written by Rev. Charles G. 
Finney, late president of Oberlin Col- 
lege. He had been a Mason himself. 
After publishing these articles for three 
'weeks the Independent, for some unex- 
plained reason, failed to publish any 
more. 

Two of my class mates were Masons 
and I called their attention to these 
articles of Mr. Finney. They indig- 
nantly declared that Mr. Finney was a 
wicked liar and that there was no truth 
in his statements. I said to them 
"Brethren, my knowledge of Mr. Fin- 
ney and his record as a man and min- 
ister of the Gospel compels my reason 
to decide that I must accept his testi- 
mony rather than yours." Later in- 
vestigations have proven conclusively 
and beyond the shadow of a doubt that 
my classmates, and not Mr. Finney, 
were the liars in the case. 

I have often wondered if they did not 
justify themselves by claiming that Mr. 
Finney lied when he revealed what he 
had promised not to tell. 

While pastor of the M. E. Church at 
Colchester, Conn., 1873-74 the lie v. 
John Livingston gave several lectures in 
Colchester against Freemasonry. iTe 
brought such grave charges against the 
institution, wnth such strong proof of 
their truthfulness, that I wrote to my 
father-in-law who was a Alethodist min- 
ister and whom I knew was also a 
Mason. He was in his last sickness 
and on his deathbed. I wrote him that 
if I could not get rebutting testimony I 
should be compelled to believe the 
charges made by Bro. Livingston, and if 



I did so believe, I should blow mv 
trumpet and asked him if he had any- 
thing to say on the subject. In reply 
he wrote me from his death bed saying 
"I guess you have been behind the cur- 
tain." 

The next day I took a train to his 
bedside (about fifty miles). 1 found 
he had taken at least thirteen degrees 
but had taken a dimit from the lodge 
about three years before. What started 
him to seriously consider the moral and 
religious character of Masonry was this 
incident. On their way home from a 
lodge meeting one night, one of his class 
leaders said to him ''Brother Palmer, I 
do not think the Masonic lodge is any 
place for a minister of the Gospel." This 
set him to thinking and the result was 
he applied for a dimit from the lodge 
and got it. 

I found he had a copy of Richardson's 
Monitor of Freemasonry which he had 
used to post himself on the different 
degrees when about to be initiated. I 
asked him if it truly gave the oaths, 
obligations and penalties of Freemason- 
ry and without any hesitation he said it 
did. I took the book and read to him 
many of the oaths, obligations and pen- 
alties w^hich I considered wicked and 
sinful and asked him if he had taken 
them and his reply was 'T am sorry to 
say I did." I thus finally became con- 
vinced beyond a doubt that these pub- 
lished revelations of Freemasonry were 
true, and on my return home began to 
question ]\Iasonic members of my church 
and congregation about belonging to 
such an institution. One prominent 
man asked what my objections were 
and when I said their barbarous oaths 
and death penalties he explained. "Oh. 
they do not mean anything." I said. 
*Tf they don't mean anything, what are 
they there for?" ITe thrust his clenched 
fist in my face and said, "Ue want 
something that will hold men.' Exact- 
ly, said I but how does it hold men if 
it doesn't mean anything? To this he 
made no reply, but blushing deeply, 
turned and left me. 

From that time till now I have felt 
it my solemn dut)- to oppose this evil 
institution on all proper occasions. 

A. L. DFARixr.. 
— Santa Ana. California. 



S6 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1020. 



A SERMON. 

BV CHARLES A. BLANCHARD, D. D., PRESI- 
DENT, WHEATON COLLEGE. 

Text : "O send out thy light and thy 
truth : let them lead me.'' 

These words are found in the third 
verse of the forty-third Psalm. This 
Psalm seems to have been written in the 
time when the writer was oppressed by 
evil men. He says, "Plead my cause 
against an ungodly nation ; O deliver me 
from the deceitful and unjust man. Why 
go I mourning because of the oppression 
of the enemy?'' and having thus ap- 
pealed to God against human enemies, 
he utters the prayer of the text, "O send 
out thy light and thy trtuh ; let them 
lead me." It is interesting to observe 
that he makes this request without any 
apparent doubt -respecting its being 
granted. He says in the fourth verse, 
"Then will I go unto the altar of God ; 
yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, 
O God, my God," and in the last verse 
of the Psalm he addresses himself, as if 
asking a reason for the doubts and fears 
which had oppressed him. "Why art 
thou cast down, O, my soul? And why 
are thou disquieted within me? Hope 
in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who 
is the health of my countenance and my 
God."_ 

This portion of God's word gives us 
three distinct but related lines of 
thought. In the first place God's people 
are not exempted from the trials, diffi- 
culties and dangers that belong gener- 
ally to human lives. Ungodly nations, 
deceitful and unjust men, haters of 
goodness and good people, are likely to 
make trouble for them. In the second 
place, when these events take place they 
are not occasions for disheartenment but 
times when Godly men should look to 
God, should appeal to Him against the 
evil men and the difficult circumstances 
by which they are environed, and third, 
when God's people thus do they will be 
so helped, so illumined and energized 
that they will say to themselves, "Why 
was I cast down? Why .was I dis- 
quieted? I will hope in God for I shall 
yet praise Him who is the health of my 
countenance and my God." 

The Difficulties of Godly People. 

One who has neglected the Word of 
God entirely or who has studied it less 



carefully than he should might easily 
form the opinion that God would guar- 
antee those who loved and served Him 
against difficulties and dangers. In place 
of having done so, He explicitly de- 
clares that good people as well as evil 
people are subject to the ordinary law 
of human life. They will be perplexed, 
discouraged, and disheartened at times 
as other people are. Wicked men will 
sometimes plot against them, seeking to 
destroy their reputations, their labors, 
even their lives. We are taught that 
God does not afflict wilHngly nor grieve 
the children of man — that is, that when 
He permits these difficulties to threaten 
the peace and prosperity of His children 
He does not do it because of desire to 
inflict suffering; He does it solely that 
He may benefit them and prepare them 
for larger service than they could hope 
to render without the difficult experiences 
through which they pass. Though He 
does not permit evil to come without a 
real reason and without a plan for the 
well being of His children, yet men, even 
good men, are born to trouble as sparks 
are to fly upward. Take, for illustra- 
tion, Joseph in Egypt ; David on the way 
to power marked for death by Saul ; 
Lincoln in poverty or finally in power 
facing tremendous difficulties. God 
never in a single instance says, I will 
keep good people out of trouble. He 
says, "I will be with them in trouble ; I 
will deliver them and honor them. With 
long life will I satisfy them and show 
them my salvation" (Psalm 91:15-16). 
This is a clear declaration that God's 
people are to be in trouble but they are 
not to be deserted while they are there. 
The three in the furnace, Daniel in the 
lion's den, Paul on the road to Rome 
are well-known examples. "I will be 
zinth him in trouble ; I will deliver him 
and honor him." If the righteous were 
not in trouble surely God could not be 
with them while they were there. If 
they do not come into difficulties, surely 
God could not deliver them, but He says 
plainly, "I will be with him in trouble; 
I will deliver him and honor him. With 
long life will I satisfy him and show 
him my salvation." 

Calculate on the Disheartening. 
There are probably no men who do 
not at times wish that they could foresee 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



R7 



the future. This desire is indicated by 
the continuation of the spirit mediums, 
the sorcerers who in every age of the 
world have professed ability to make 
known to men that which lies in the 
future. This desire, being as it is, uni- 
versal, indicates that it is God appointed 
and that He wishes people to know in 
general or in detail the events which 
they are to experience. The sin of the 
spiritualist is not that he wishes to know 
the future but that instead of seeking 
knowledge of the future in God's Word 
and from God's Spirit, he endeavors to 
secure it from finite spirits who ha^'e 
never been authorized or qualified to 
convey such information. The girl who 
fears that her lover is forsaking her in- 
stead of committing herself to God, goes 
to some spirit medium, often a person 
of base character, to obtain information 
which God alone can give. It is so with 
some husbands and wives who fear that 
they are losing the affection of their 
partners, with some business men who are 
alarmed at the changing channels of 
trade, with some statesmen who desire 
to know what is to be among the nations 
and what counsel they should give to 
those who trust them — all of these are 
tempted and from time to time actually 
do take counsel with vagrant spirits who 
profess ability to aid them in their need. 
God Has Furnished Light for All. 
Tie knows that people naturally wish 
to " forecast the future. He knows that 
in themselves they have no power to do 
so. He knows that finite spirits, good 
or evil, have no ability to furnish this 
information unless they are directed and 
empowered by some supernatural being 
to convey it and so He tells men to 
search the Scriptures and to appeal to 
the Holy Spirit, to he filled with this 
Spirit and in this way He purposes to 
give to people the light which they 
naturally desire and which all of them 
need. One of the truths which He has 
over and over again stated clearly to His 
people is the one with which this 
Psalmist begins, that Ciodly men are not 
exempted from the ordinary difficulties 
of human life. Deceitful and unjust in- 
dividuals and bodies of men seek to do 
them wrong, sometimes they do them 
wrone. Thev are permitted to do this 
and- the child of God who does not un^ 



derstand this fact is likely lu be dis- 
quieted and cast down. He is in danger 
of feeling that God has forsaken -him 
when in fact Ciod is sending to him the 
very experiences which are designed and 
adapted to lead him into the greatest 
usefulness and the liighot ha])i)incss. 

Good People Are Not Always Good. 

When the Civil W^ar was on in this 
country, the people in the north felt that 
the people in the south were at fault, 
and they were; the people in the suuth 
felt that the north was at fault, and this 
was also true, and so while the 
Northerners were astonished that the 
Southerners were not always defeated, 
and while the Southerners were aston- 
ished that the Northerners were not 
always defeated, God was mingling for 
both north and south the bitter and the 
sweet, He. was letting trials, difficulties 
and dangers encompass President Lin- 
coln as they did President Davis. It is 
true that as to the fundamentals. Presi- 
dent Lincoln and the armies of the north 
were in the right. It is a fact of historv 
that in the end they were victorious, but 
there were many long and dark davs 
before victory finally settled upon their 
banners. 

The High Cost of Living. 
We are today in another time of dif- 
ficulty. I suppose that I do not speak 
to one person in this audience who has 
not found the last year a time of great 
perplexity and who^does not question as 
he sits here today what the future has 
in store for liim. The bodies of tens of 
thousands of our young men are even 
now being transported across the seas 
these men having given up their lives on 
Flanders V\M in the great drive which 
emptied the Marne pocket, in ihe battles 
in the air and in the battles on the sea. 
Fathers and mothers j)roud of what 
their sons have done, nevertheless lind 
their hearts sore as they look about their 
empty homes. Patriots are made 
ashamed In- the exhibitions of greed 
that have accompanied the exhibitions 
of self sacrifice. Two great political 
organizations are contending even now 
not^ for the spoils of war but for the 
spoils of peace, and while tens of thou- 
sands of men are longing for positions 
and salaries and profits, other men and 



88 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



women are perplexed to know what their 
duty is to be. 

Hearts, Homes and Nations. 

\Miat is thus true respecting the lives 
of nations is true of individuals as well. 
What German knows exactly how to 
feel about Germany if he is an honest 
man and a Christian? What dweller in 
the Balkan states knows exactly what 
ought to be done with the Balkan States ? 
\Miat American feels perfectly sure re- 
specting the duty of America to Ar- 
menia and the Turkish Empire? How 
many young men today are questioning 
what their life task should be? How 
many young women are hesitating be- 
tween foreign service and service in the 
home field. Explain it as you will or 
refuse to do so if you please, neverthe- 
less it is true today as it was three thou- 
sand years ago, that good people are 
troubled, perplexed, in difficulties and in 
doubts. They are and they are to be, or, 
perhaps, to speak more plainly and help- 
fully to you, you are and you are to be. 
Even if you are a Godly man or woman 
you must meet with the foes within and 
the foes without who have assailed all 
those who have preceded you in the path 
which is in reality the path of peace 
which leads on to glory. 

Send Out Thy Light and Thy Truth. 

I think that the emphasis here is on 
the word "Thy." I rather think that it 
was on that w^ord, in the mind of the 
Psalmist, there are certain sources of 
guidance and help which are open to all. 
God has not given us reason and the 
story of the past and thoughtful friends 
without expecting us to make use of 
them. One who says, "I am guided from 
God ; I have no need of history ; I have 
no need of counsellors ; I have no need 
of human reason," may be a worthy 
man in his spirit, but he is nevertheless 
a thoroughly foolish man in his life 
plans. I w^ould be willing to say more 
than this ; he is irreverent and dishonor- 
ing his Heavenly Father. If an earthly 
parent .skives his son ten talents, he does 
not wish him to use one or two and 
allow the others to remain unemployed. 
There is a divine economy in the deal- 
ings of God with His people. As our 
Lord Jesus said to His disciples after 
thousands had been miraculously fed, 
''Gather up the fragments so that nothing 



may be lost." So God wishes all His 
people to gather up all the times and 
moneys and powers and feelings and 
thoughts which may make duty clear 
and use them for His work. But, while 
this is true, it is also true that all natural 
gifts and all human aids by themselves 
alone are insufficient for the guiding of 
human beings. A great man was accus- 
tomed to say, "There is no man who 
has wisdom enough to make one person 
perfectly happy, even if that man were 
himself and he were able to do every- 
thing for him which he believed would 
be for his advantage." I do not know 
how fully the Psalmist had thought the 
proposition through but I am satisfied 
that though he was a wise and gifted 
and powerful person he had so fre- 
quently come up to the limits of his 
knowledge and found that he was utterly 
unable to bring about the results which 
he desired to produce that' when he ut- 
tered the words of the text he did as I 
think we should do and dwelt in thought 
largely upon the Hght and truth of God, 
''Send out Thy light and Thy truth ; 
let them lead me," not that he was dis- 
posed to reject lesser lights nor that he 
wished to reject truths which he had 
gained by teachings of men or the use 
of his own powers, but that he realized 
that these at their best were insufficient, 
that he must have the wisdom of God, 
the truth of God, or he would be unable 
to meet fully the demands of each day. 

You need the light of God and the 
truth of God as well as the strength of 
God and if you do not avail yourselves 
of them, you will not be equal to the 
work you have in hand. So let us resolve 
just now that as the Psalmist prayed so 
we will prav, "Send out Thy light and 
Thy truth ; let them lead me." 

Remember, also, that God has as usual 
gone before your prayer. He has already 
sent out His light and His truth. Here 
thev are with the glory of three thou- 
sand vears upon them. So that while 
we ask for the light and the truth, we 
should more constantly sav : "Open 
thou mine eyes that I may behold won- 
drous thines out of thy law." 
No Faith. No Power. 

You have already learned that your 
own wisdom is insufficient, so also you 
have learned that even when you have 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



89 



known the thing you ought to do, you 
have often lacked power to accomplish 
it. I am convinced that the lack of 
power more frequently than for any 
other reason is caused by a lack of be- 
lief. "So we see they could not enter in 
because of unbelief." (Heb. 3:19.) Many 
good people do not seem to take pains 
even to find out what God has promised 
to do for them. They meet in the name 
of Jesus and ask Him to come into their 
assembly. He explicitly declares that 
where even two persons meet in His 
name He is already there, li this is 
true, why should men ask Him to come 
into a place where He is already present? 
We often ask God to give us power 
when He has said of His people, "I will 
dwell in them and walk in them." If it 
is true that the Almighty God who made 
the heavens and the earth dwells and 
walks in us, why should we ask for 
power? Why should we not rather ask 
for humility and diligence in the use of 
the power which God has already be- 
stowed and which He stands ready to 
continue to us so long as we are en- 
gaged in His work. These are two in- 
stances out of an uncounted number. 
Christ seems to exhaust language to set 
before His people the certainty of His 
omniscient and omnipotent presence 
with them in every time of need. Take, 
for example, the healing of the sick. 
God tells us that our bodies are temples 
of the most high God. He tells us to 
keep them clean and give them proper 
care that they may be fit for His work. 
If by reason of our own fault or the 
fault of other people, or by reason of 
direct Satanic assault, we are physically 
ill, He has told us what to do. 'Ts any 
among you sick, let him send for the 
elders of the church and let them pray 
over him, anointing him with oil in the 
name of the Lord, and the prayer of 
faith shall save the sick and the Lord 
shall raise him up and, if he has com- 
mitted sins, they shall be forgiven him. 
Confess your faults one to another and 
pray one for another that ye may be 
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of 
a righteous man availeth much." (James 
5:14-16.) 

Now we observe, to begin with, that 
this command respecting bodily well be- 
ing is very generally disregarded by pro- 



fessed pc()i)U' oi ( iod. God tells tlu-ni to 
send for the elders of the church; they 
send for a doctor. God tells them to 
confess their sins and pray for cjne an- 
other ; they send to the drug st(jre and 
pay a bill. (jod tells them that the 
])rayer of faith shall save the sick, and 
they go a])Out the world saying that Dr. 
So-and-So pulled them through. If Ciod 
were not a very merciful Being, He 
would deal with us for §uch sacrilege as 
this much more sharply than He does. 
But we have here an explanation of a 
great deal of the sickness and death that 
we find among the good people of God's 
world. The same thing may be said re- 
specting a person's financial needs. God 
says, "The silver and gold are mine ; the 
cattle on a thousand hills are mine." He 
says, "Ask and ye shall receive ; seek 
and ye shall find ; knock and it shall be 
opened unto you." There is no ex- 
pressed limitation here. God does not 
say, ask for spiritual blessings and you 
shall receive them, or ask for temporal 
blessings and you shall receive them. 
He says, "Ask and ye shall receive : 
seek and ye shall find; knock and it 
shall be opened unto you." These seem 
to be clear and explicit statements made 
by Almighty God to the people who are 
present in this room at this time. W hat 
do they mean? What are they worth? 
Do they mean what they say? Are they 
worth their face value? Do you, who 
have just heard these promises read, 
believe them to be true? If you do, do 
you ask and do you receive? If you 
have not. will you ? What is your attitude 
respecting the teachings and the prom- 
ises of Almighty God. There are wit- 
nesses here this morning to prove that 
when lessons have been difficult, impos- 
sible, men have prayed and ( Iod has 
given them wisdom and light. There 
are witnesses here this morning to pro\e 
that when difficulties have hemmed in a 
church or a family. ])rayer has been 
offered and the ditliculties have disa]^- 
peared. There are witnesses here this 
morning to prove that when men and 
women have been sick they have prayed 
and God has made them well. There 
are witnesses here to i^rove that when 
nations have been distressed, utterly per- 
plexed, absolutely unable to find the 
Lord or make a way. they have prayed 



90 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



and God has heard their prayer. Until 
this nation was willing to say, "Hnmilia- 
tion and prayer," our armies and the 
armies of our allies were defeated. I 
believe if zee had not been made willing 
to say "Humiliation and prayer," Ger- 
many would have walked rough-shod 
over the allied nations and I believe that 
it would have been a righteous thing of 
which no reasonable person could com- 
plain. For, while I believe that Ger- 
many was unquestionably wrong in the 
launching of that frightful carnival of 
death against the young manhood of the 
world, there were sins among the allied 
nations, too. They are yet. England 
has never repented, so far as we know, 
of her sins against China or South 
Africa. France and England have never 
repented, so far as we know, of their 
sins against Armenia ; and while Turkey 
has wielded the sword that has destroyed 
those millions of men, women and chil- 
dren, France, Germany and England 
sharpened it for the slaughter. They 
do not repent now. Our own nation, 
while less guilty than others in some 
respects, is nevertheless a guilty nation. 
We trample the Sabbath day under our 
feet now. We do not hallow it as God 
told us to do. We do not search the 
Scriptures as we ought. We run to the 
movies in place of the prayer meetings. 
Our schools put out the Bible and put in 
dancing and plays. We rob God, we 
steal from Him ; we take the tithes and 
the oiTerings that belong to Him and use 
them for ourselves. Everybody knows 
that this is true who knows anything 
about the subject at all. We permitted 
the whisky business for hundreds of 
years. We hanged men occasionally for 
killing people when they were drunk on 
liquors that' we furnished them — I mean 
liquors that were sold according to law. 
It is true this was simply insanity from 
every point of view. It destroyed the 
health of the nation ; it destroyed the 
Spiritual life of the nation, but the worst 
of it was, it was a defiance of God 
Almighty, yet we kept it up until God 
gave us sense enough and difficulties 
enough to help us to put it away. The 
tobacco trade is now occupying the posi- 
tion that the liquor trade -occupied ten 
years ago and the foolish people who 
said that slavery could not be abolished 



seventy years ago and who said that the 
whisky trade could not be abolished ten 
years ago, now say that the tobacco 
trade cannot be abolished, and they are 
just as wise now as they were then. We 
commit many sins against God but I 
think the sin of unbelief is the greatest 
of our sins and the one which is hinder- 
ing us from the happiness and joy of 
effective service more than all others 
put together. 

Of Sin Because They Believe Not on Me. 
Jesus seems to have thought of this as 
the crowning sin. He said that when 
the Holy Spirit came to the people of 
God that He would convince the world — 
that means people who are not the peo- 
ple of God — of three things. He would 
convince them of sin, righteousness and 
of coming judgment, and when He pro- 
ceeds to explain what the sin is that the 
world is committing that the Holy Spirit 
will convict them of, He says that it was 
the sin of unbelief, "because they be- 
lieved not on me." As it is not my 
method to preach to people who are 
somewhere else but rather to those who 
are with us, let me ask plainly whether 
you ask for what God has promised you 
and if you believe He is willing to give 
it to you, and if you do not know what 
His promises are, and if you do not 
really believe in your hearts that He in- 
tends to fulfill His word, are you ready 
to change, to begin now this morning 
searching the Scriptures to find out what 
He has agreed to do and to begin prais- 
ing Him that He is going to do it? The 
psalmist had this faith ; he cried for the 
light and the truth of God and said that 
when God gave them to him he would 
go to the tabernacles of God, to the altar 
of God, and would praise God for keep- 
ing His word and doing what He agreed 
to do. This seems to be ordinary com- 
mon sense and ordinary fair dealing. 
The psalmist knew that God was faith- 
ful and that He was truthful, and that 
He had made certain promises to him 
and he believed that God would fulfill 
those promises and give him the light 
and the truth which he required for the 
gladness and the service which were his 
proper portion. 

This Is a Dark Day 
and the dark deepens always. This 
has been a needy world since sin entered 



July, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



91 



it. Never was it more needy than just 
now. There are changes in the outward 
seeming but the essentials remain. There 
is not a person, a family, or a communi- 
ty represented here this morning which 
does not need the light and the truth of 
God. And God more earnestly desires 
to give these persons, these families, 
these communities His light and truth 
than they desire to receive them. The 
only question is whether or not here this 
morning we shall be willing and able to 
put up the petitions, to comply with the 
conditions and to believe for the fulfill- 
ing of the promises of God. 

There are many reasons this morning 
why we should be filled with both 
thanksgivings and expectations. God has 
in wonderful fashion supplied our needs ; 
in times of sickness He has sheltered 
us under His mighty wing. My only 
anxiety for you is that continually as 
days pass this cry of the psalmist should 
be in your hearts and on your lips, "C>h, 
send forth thy light and thy truth ; let 
them lead me," for this cry is not one 
which is self-moved ; it is one which is 
divinely in-breathed and God who puts 
it into your hearts will fulfill it to you 
day by day in your lives. I bid you be 
of good comfort, have faith in God, 
have the faith of God ; it is He who has 
brought you thus far and it is He who 
will lead you to the end. "He that hath 
given you grace yet more and more will 
send ; He who hath set you in the race 
will speed you to the end. He loveth 
always, faileth never, then trust in Him 
today — forever." 



MASONIC SECRECY. 

The Masonic Nczv Age Magazine 
(W^ashington, D. C.), in its May issue 
(p. 202), gives space to an article by 
John C. Vivian, 32°, in which complaint 
is made of the carelessness with which 
some Blue Lodges publish the names of 
their initiates and other information per- 
taining to their work. These incautious 
Masons, Mr. Vivian says, forget that the 
words "silence and circumspection" are 
in the dictionary of Freemasonry, and 
"lose sight of the fact that the Tiler's 
sword reminds us of certain principles 
and maxims in Masonry." 

Mr. Vivian sets up the Grand Lodge 
of Colorado as an example to the breth- 



ren. This lodge has "discontinued pulj- 
lishing even the names of the subordinate 
lodges throughout its jurisdiction'' and 
"guards very carefully everything that is 
sent out from the office of the Granfl 
wSecretary." 

The writer concludes by saying that, 
while publicity may be "a virtue of so- 
ciety," it is not a virtue of Masonry, but 
on the contrary, the outside public should 
Ijc kept "entirely profane with reference 
to anything Masonic' (italics Mr. \'i\i- 
an's). 

Secrecy is indeed of the very essence 
of Freemasonry (see "A Study of 
American Freemasonry," edited by Ar- 
thur Preuss, B. Herder Book Co., pas- 
sim), and it is only "Knife and Fork 
Masons" that disregard it in the flagrant 
way complained of by ]\Ir. Vivian. 
— The Fortnightly Rcviezv, June 15, 
1920. 



As far as true piety and Bible Christi- 
anity is concerned, the world is growing 
worse and worse. — Spurgeon. 



"If our right hand is not to know what 
our left does, it must not be because it 
would be ashamed if it did." — Ruskin. 



i^etog of O^ur W^ax^ 

A LIVE ASSOCIATION. 

My Dear Brother Phillips : 

I gladly comply with your request to 
write a few words anent the last Con- 
\ention of the Iowa Christian Associa- 
tion. You ask for only a few words. T 
shall write very little. I wisli to say that 
r was pleased that the I. C. A. was still 
alive and had in mind to functicMi as il 
did before the World War set in. Anti- 
secret Associations seem to have a tend- 
ency to start out with a rush and then 
to die — to which assertion at least a doz- 
en defunct state organizations bear wit- 
ness. 

The Iowa Association is yet alive. Un- 
der God, the credit of having an Iowa 
Association today belongs to the Rev. 
A. M. Malcolm, Associate Presbyterian, 
of Albia. Iowa. His prayers and patience 
have not been in vain, h^or six years he 
has carried the Association on his heart 
and for a great time was its president and 
secretary and treasurer, all in one. x\ 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



great stunt, yet he did it uncomplain- 
ingly. 

I was distinctly disappointed when I 
was at the Convention and saw how few 
had responded to the invitations sent out 
by the president ; how few sent a word 
of cheer or encouragement ; how few 
sent a mite to speak for their stand in 
the matter of anti-secrecy. The Luther- 
ans and the Friends were the best repre- 
sented — honor to whom honor is due. 
^^'here were the others and their testi- 
mony? \Ye believe there are "the seven 
thousand" in Iowa who have not bowed 
their knee to the Baal of today. Will 
the Obadiahs tell the Elijahs in what 
caves our friends have secreted them- 
selves? (i Kings i8) 

In the third place there seems to be a 
misunderstanding as to who are mem- 
bers of the Association and as to who 
"runs" the business. We were told at the 
meeting that every Christian who is op- 
posed to Secret Societies is to consider 
himself a member. We were also told 
that nobody ran the business — that is, 
that no certain number of men of anv 
particular church for the sake of self- 
aggrandisement. The business is every 
Christian's business. The best men re- 
gardless of denomination are elected to 
be officers, and they serve at the pleas- 
ure of the members. The Association is 
very democratic in this respect. In the 
fourth place it seemed to me as the 
Christian people have been so taken in 
by the worldly prosperity and the strug- 
gle to get the world's goods that I trem- 
ble as to what will be the price the 
Church is going to pay ultimately for 
its folly. Lot in Sodom, and in the plain 
of the Jordan (Gen. 13) paid dearly for 
his worldliness and greed. And finally I 
am persuaded that it is time that all 
those interested in the work of the I. C. 
A. "lift up the hands which hang down, 
and the feeble knees, and make straiglit 
paths for your feet" (Heb. 12) ; that 
they hold up the hands of the officers of 
the Association like Aaron and Hur held 
up the hands of Moses (Ex.- 17). Let us 
all drop the officers a card and let them 
know that we are back of them. Let us 
get ready for the next convention. 



You cannot sop up the sins of the week 
with a solemn face on the Sabbath. 



Otley, Iowa. 



(Rev.) A. H. BRAT. 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

REV. W. 15. STODDARD. 

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 17, 1920. 

This finds me at the Biennial Synod 
meeting of the Christian Reformed 
Church which gathers in Calvin College 
of this city. The expected welcome and 
greetings have come with the oppor- 
tunity to address the Synod. The many 
expressions of kind regard show a very 
high appreciation of our work by this 
church. The various matters coming 
before them are being pushed with that 
staunch determination which is their 
characteristic. It was a great joy to 
greet so many of our old friends and 
helpers. 

The Annual Meeting of our Associa- 
tion has of course engaged the center 
of my thoughts and efforts of late. While 
not as largely attended as the Repub- 
lican convention, gathered at the same 
time and in the same city, it was ex- 
ceedingly important. Surely with the 
confidence of the justice of our cause 
we may move into the new year with 
high expectation ! The opportunities for 
lectures and other anti-lodge addresses 
have been as expected — all that time 
would permit, with many on the waiting 
list. 

In coming through Indiana a few 
days were spent very profitably with 
my brother-in-law, Mr. W. S. Orvis, 
and his interesting family at Indian- 
apolis. Several friends were found in 
the First Baptist church of that city. I 
listened to a sermon delivered by Rev. 
Mr. Taylor, pastor of this church, on 
the text "Especially the Parchments," 
his general theme being the things that 
make up life, especially the important 
things. He called attention to the fact 
that the nation naturally looked with 
expectation to the churches when it had 
great need, ''not to the fraternal organ- 
izations." In the same city on a Sab- 
bath evening, I spoke to a gathering in 
the Holland Reformed church. The 
building was small, the evening was hot; 
but those present gave kindly expres- 
sion. At Flora, Indiana, I stopped to 
gather Cynosure subscriptions, and was 
made to rejoice in the appreciation man- 



July, 1920. 



CH R 1 ST I A X C Y N O S U R E 



93 



ifest. Our Convention, held there some 
years ago, left an impression still felt 
for good. At Logansport, Indiana. I 
was glad to fill the appointment in the 
Church of the Brethren, and make the 
acquaintance of some new friends. Oth- 
er lectures are desired there. 

On reaching Chicago I filled appoint- 
ments in Christian Reformed, Reformed, 
Lutheran, Free Methodist, Brethren in 
Christ, Mennonite and other churches. 
An opportunity for greeting and a brief 
address was given before the Illinois 
Conference of Swedish Baptist pastors 
and church leaders, about two hundred 
in number. As the Swedish language 
was generally used, I could not under- 
stand what was said, but was told most 
of the people were in sympathy with 
what I said, while a few were not. 

The churches quite generally took of- 
ferings for our work which will be duly 
acknowledged through the Cynosure. 
I found Wheaton College enjoying a 
prosperous year. The student body has 
grown. An army of young ladies and 
gentlemen were being fitted to carry the 
good news to the- ends of the earth 
under the efficient labors of Dr. C. A, 
Blanchard and his co-educators. I 
should gladly have responded to the 
pressing invitation to attend the Com- 
mencement Exercises, but the various 
Synods meeting at this time called for 
attention. 

I go in the morning, God willing, to 
Detroit, Michigan, where I hope to 
greet a gathering of our Missouri Luthe- 
eran friends. I must not forget to men- 
tion the splendid welcome of our Luth- 
eran friends at Glenview, Illinois. 
Your agent was there treated with the 
greatest of kindness and highest regard. 

A lecture in the school of Pastor \\'er- 
felman's church in Chicago was well at- 
tended and supported, I have visited 
friends at Elgin, Batavia. Aurora and 
other Illinois towns who gave encourgc- 
ment and kindly support. Yesterday I 
found Pastor Schwankoosky of a 
Lutheran Church in this city happy in 
the outcome of a discussion of the lodge 
question in his church. It seems some 
of his members had lodge inclinations. 
They thought the church too narrow in 
its exclusion of lodge members until a 
Masonic writer of note, together with 



other Atasons were induced to come to 
the church and drawn into discussion. 
Much was said ])ro and con. but this 
emphatic statement made by the lodge 
representative in address to the ];astrn- 
settled the matter — "Get it out of your 
head that Jesus is the only Saviour!" 
Neither this pastor nor his Christian 
men ])ropose to take the lodge man's 
advice. 

By the way, we are getting much ad- 
vice nowadays that is good. I sec in 
several railroad stations Reel Cross 
warnings signed by ex-president Taft. 
"Don't cross the tracks in front of the 
train !" "Don't stick your head out of 
the window !" "Don't get ol¥ the car 
backward."' All good advice no dcjubt. 
but many don'ts were omitted: "Don't 
join the lodge!'' Would not something 
like that also help the people? 



CONTRIBUTIONS. 

Received from May 2ist to June iSth, 
1920. G. A. Pegram, $3 ; Louis fob. Sio ; 
N. P. Bourne, $10: R. McConnell. Si: 
J. R. ]\Iillin, $2 : John Hoogen1:)Ook. 50c : 
C. A. Dodds, $5; Laura L. Heath. Sio: 
M. C. Baker, S2. 10; T. C. Brooks, S^ : 
X. S. Coleman, $5 ; Philip Beck. S2 : Liz- 
zie Rol^erson. $2: V. Stewart. vSi : I\. K. 
Stevenson, $1 : ^^fary Teni])leton. S3. 50: 
X. E. Kellogg, $4.50: I. R. Cummings. 
$2: E. L. \^ogel. $\ : Emilv Prantz, Si : 
E. E. E. Bailey. $2; E. Walker. S5 : M. 
W. Siemiller and sisters, vS20 : S. Legron. 
Si ; P. Dawson. $5 : Robt. Patterson, ^oc , 
Anna E. Stoddard, v$2 ; C. (L 1-ail. S2: 
T. O. Smith. $1. 

Christian l\ct\)rnic(l Churches: Cla~- 



Imoi^ 



I4.(j(i 



Unnon llei'dr 



r^ricli.. vSi/./f): ^luskeoon. Second. Mic':.. 



The fol]i)wing conlrilnilions were re- 
ceived 1)\- Rev. W. r». Siodilard frciP.i 
.Mav HjK; to Ai)ril 30th. 1920: 

\'nnu Christian Reformed C'hurches. 
Raterson, X. I..S2: bjiglewood l.Si(>.43- 
Roseland 11." Sjj. 77: ( )iley. hnva, S4 : 
Prr.irie Citv. la.. Si(\(>(i: IXergrerr. 
Rark. HI.. ^^7.50; Detroit 1. Si<>.5(): .M- 
pine .\\('.. ("ir.'ind Rapi(R. S5.35 : ("oil- 
brook. Mich.. SS : ritli Si., linlland. 
Mieh.. Sjy [ Cen.tral .\ve.. Holland. S22.- 
55: Kalamazoo 1. SiS: East Side. Cleve- 
land. S2;: Sherman St.. Grand Rapid<. 



94 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



July, 1920. 



S31.91; Englewood, N. J., $3; North 
Side, Passaic, N. J., $10; Broadway, 
Grand Rapids, $32.20; Midland Park, 
X. Y., $22.05; Maple Ave., Holland, 
S9.25 ; Cleveland I, $15; Paterson II, 
3i3-73; Paterson IV, $15; Passaic, N. J., 
$15: Hope Ave., Passaic, N. J., $8.50. 

From Free Methodist Churches : Fort 
A\'ayne, Ind., $3.66; Harvey, 111., v$2 ; 
Canton. Ohio, $6.22 ; Grand . Rapids, 
:\Iich,. $3.03; Mt. Pleasant, Cleveland, 
O., $10; Woodlawn, Pa., $5.82. 

From Mennonite Churches : Fort 
\\'ayne. Ind., $5 ; Mechanics Grove, Pa., 
$10; ^^'adsworth, O., $3.03; Salem, O., 
$7.60; Martinsburg, Pa., $1 ; Johnstown, 
Pa., $4.44 ; Gen Conf . Mennonites, Bally, 

Pa., $5. 

From Reformed Churches : Indian- 
apolis, Ind., $1.29; 62nd St., Chicago, 
S5.34; Pella, la.; I, $15. 

Church of the Brethren : Cedar Rap- 
ids, la., $1.39; Ephrata, Pa., $2.37; Le- 
banon, Pa., $1.97; Richland, Pa., $5.30; 
Harrisburg, Pa., $1.50; Chippewa, O., 
$1.80; Mt. Pleasant, Pa., $4.46; East 
Petersburg, Pa., $6.75 ; Martinsburg, Pa , 
$2.04; Pittsburgh, Pa., $6.21. 

From Lutheran Churches : Em. Evan- 
gelical, Glenview, 111., $7.44 ; East St. 
Paul, Detroit, Mich., v$i6.50 Gethse- 
mene, Detroit, Mich., $8; Emanuel, 
Grand Rapids, Mich., $4.45 ; St. Peters, 
Xew Y^ork, $10.65. 

From Covenanter Churches : Shar- 
son, la., $18.62; and Morning Sun, la., 
$9.07. 

Also from a union meeting of the Re- 
formed and Christian Reformed Church- 
es at Leighton, la., $10; United Christian 
Church at Palmyra, Pa., $5 ; Wesleyan 
]\Ieth. Church, Barberton, O., $3.75; 
Ebenezer Mennonite, near Bluffton, O., 
$6.90; Wesleyan Meth. Church, Holland, 
Mich., $3.55 ; Union Church, Maugans- 
ville, Md., $11 ; United Presbyterian, Pa- 
terson, N. J., $5.15; Missionary Church, 
Berne, Ind., $4.50; Brethren in Christ 
Mission, Chicago, $2.16; vStine Mission, 
Allentown, Pa., $1.82; K. M. B. Mis- 
sion, Chicago, $3 ; Mennonite Friends, 
Menges Mills, Pa., $2; Concordia Col- 
lege, Ft. Wayne, Ind., $1. 

Contributions were also received from 
the following: Nicholas Johnson, $10; T. 
C. Wendell, $1 ; Martin Geiss, $5 ; Miss 
M. Cooper, $10; Rev. G. W. Hylkema, 



$1 ; Wm. G. Herpolschiemer, $4 ; S. 
Hugh Paine, $4; H. W. Sehler, $4; De 
Eldon E. Hayner, $1 ; Irvine Caldwell, 
$10; Rev C. D. Fischer, $25 ; F. M. Ran- 
son, Beaver Falls, $7.50; T. C. Wendell, 
$1 ; Friends, Huntington, Ind., $3.68. 



The following contributions were re- 
ceived by Rev. J. B. Van den Hoek : 

Christian Reformed Churches : Ire- 
ton, la., $14.58; Hull, la., $74.55 ; Volga, 
So. Dak., $11; Inwood, la., $15.40; 
Pease, Minn., $16.48; Brooten, Minn., 
$10.36; Colton, So. Dak., $18.55; New 
Holland, So. Dak., $42.16; Platte, So. 
Dak., $30.79; Harrison, So. Dak., $18.- 
32, and Corsica, So. Dak., $50. Also 
from Mr. John De Young, $1. 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER. 

Dear Cynosure: 

I left Kansas City, Kansas, the 29th 
of April and reached Los Angeles on 
the second day of May. The State Con- 
vocation Meeting was held at Dr. E. R. 
Driver's Church on Twentieth and Hoop- 
er Avenue and was conducted by Elder 
C. H. Mason. It -was a great meeting 
and the writer had opportunity to teach 
all nations in this meeting. We did not 
fail to declare the whole council of God. 
Dr. Driver made us welcome to his big 
church, seating about t\^ o thousand peo- 
ple, and Elder C. H. Mason preached 
until men cried out 'What shall we do 
to be saved." I taught the women in the 
afternoons and lectured in the evening 
from seven o'clock to half past eight. 
We labored and prayed at this Convoca- 
tion Meeting for three weeks. 

Dr. Driver is not afraid of the lodge 
devil. He and Elder Mason have been 
fighting this enemy of the church for 
years. We distributed a large quantity 
of tracts and the Masonic, Odd-Fellows 
and other lodge rituals which I received 
from the National Christian Association 
were on the bookstand every night. Men 
and women bought the books and all 
were sold with the exception of a few. 

In the congregation one evening a man 
arose and said, "I declare ! ! That 
woman ought to be stopped from selling 
lodge rituals. She has no right to join 
the Masonic Order and to make public 
our secrets like she is doing this evening ; 
it is an outrage !" 



July, 1920. 



CTIRTSTIAX CYNOSURE 



95 



The following day a lady came to my 
room and said, "That man who fumed 
about your selling rjtuals is not the only 
one who is mad. There are a number 
of men who are sore and they are say- 
ing somebody ought to stop you from 
committing such acts." I answered, 
Well sister, why don't they do it then? 
The poor ignorant men are giving away 
their secrets themselves by admitting 
that what I have said is true. Why my 
dear lady, if I were a man and the Ma- 
sons offered to initiate me into their 
Order without charging me a cent, why 
Td have better sense and more modesty 
than to become affiliated w-ith such a 
crowd which is composed of false preach- 
ers, deacons, class leaders, bootleggers, 
and such. What sort of a man do you 
suppose he is who would consent to have 
his clothes stripped off, his eyes hood- 
winked, a halter put around his neck and 
then swear to have his throat cut from 
ear to ear, or to have his body severed 
in twain should he ever knowingly or 
wdllingly violate the oaths or obligations 
he has taken? No, Indeed. I'd have 
more sense than to join such an order. 
I don't need a man-made ritual by wdiich 
to live. In Matthew^ 4 4, Jesus says, 
''Man shall not live by bread alone but 
by every word that proceedeth out of the 
mouth of God." 

Another evening a man came to me 
and said, "I have been a member of the 
Masonic Order and have taken thirty- 
two degrees but when God, for Christ's 
sake, saved me, I gave it up. My W^orshp- 
ful Master was a saloon keeper and was 
just as wicked as he could be. While 
in the Order I w^as blind and could not 
see the danger until the light of God's 
Word was turned on. Truly "Thy Word 
is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto 
my path'' now. I can say with you sis- 
ter, the whole system of Masonry is 
wicked and sinful. 

Your for Jesus, 
Lizzie Woods Robersox. 



SOUTHERN AGENT'S REPORT. 

REV. F. J. DAVIDSON. 

I earnestly hope that the blessings of 
God upon the Annual Meeting on June 
loth were numerous. The wicked influ- 
ences of secret societies are being felt 
and ^r-* spreading over the land like 



a green luiy tree, c(jrrupting courts, jur- 
ors, goxernors, legislators .and defiling 
homes and bringing spiritual death to 
churches. 1 can see more and more the 
great needs of a wider circulation of the 
CvNOSiRE and the liberal distribution of 
antisecrecy tracts. There are thousands 
of honest and well-meaning men and 
women who are deceived and led into the 
lodge upon the assurance that the Bible 
is used and that there is nothing in the 
lodge which will interfere with their re- 
ligion, and that if they live up to the lodge 
obligation they w^ill make better Chris- 
tians. This false doctrine has led many 
to believe the lodges are as good, if not 
better than the church, and once they are 
initiated into the lodge and take its 
obligations it is a difficult task to get 
them to see their error. Hence the best 
plan is to convince men and women of 
the vast evils resulting from secretism 
and of the folly of Christians belongin:^ 
to secret orders, before they get inside. 

I praise God for strength to content! 
for truth and righteousness. I have vis- 
ited, preached and lectured at the follow- 
ing places in Louisiana since my last let- 
ter : ^lorning Star Church, Violet, where 
I conducted a Bible Institute and dis- 
cussed "New Testament Salvation" : 
Broadway ^Mission Church, and Bethel 
M. E. Church, both of New Orleans. ^Nlt. 
Zion Church, Donaldsville. St. Paul and 
Mt. Zion Churches at \\'hite Castle, as 
well as St. John's Church, Seymourville. 
At Bruceville, Louisiana, I taught the 
Bible, preached and lectured for seven 
days. I also preached at Shiloh, and ad- 
dressed the Executive Board of the Loui- 
siana Freedmens Baptist Association at 
Beulah Baptist Church in New Orleans. 

A few CvxosuRE subscrij^tions were 
secured during my house to house visits 
while distributing tracts. 

I rejoice to say to the CvxosrRK fam- 
ily that wc held (Uir lirst scr\ ice in (air 
new building of the Ventral B.aplist 
Church on May 30th. There was great 
rejoicing among the faithful few. God 
has l)lesscd us and we pray that tru'li 
and righteousness shall prevail. 



Your attitude to Jesus Christ is the 
kev to your attitude to every other ciues- 
tion in the world. — Rev. G. H. B.ain- 



bridge. 



CHRISTIAN WORKERS' TRACTS 



MASONIC OBLIGATIONS. 

Blue Lodge Oaths (llliuois Work) ; MasoDSc 
Penalties; Are Masonic Penalti.es Ever Enforced? 
Masonic Arrogance ; Masonic Despotism ; Grand 
Lodge Powers ; Disloyalty to Country ; Our Re- 
■ponsibility as Christians; What Can Be Done^ 
16 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A package 
of 25 for 25 cents. 

THE OPEN CONFESSION 

By Rev. Dr. James M. Gray, Dean of The 
Moody Bible Institute. An address on the rela- 
tion of the Christian, and especially the Chris- 
tian minister, to the secret oath-bound lodge. 
16 pages; postpaid 2 cents a copy. A package 
of 25 for 25 cents. 

MY REASONS 

For Not Joining the Masonic Fraternity, by 
Rev. R. A. Torrey, D. D., Dean of the Bible 
Institute of Los Angeles. 4 pages; postpaid, 3 
copies for 2 cents. A package of 75 for 25 cents. 

LODGE BUEIAL SERVICES. 

Should a Christian Participate in Them? 4 
pages ; postpaid, 3 copies for 2 cents. A 
package of 75 for 25 cents. 

THE ''GOOD MAN »' ARGUMENT. 

God's Word or the Ofher Man's Conscience— 
Which Should W^e Follow? 4 pages; postpaid, 3 
copies for 2 Cents. A packag-e of 75 for 25 cents. 

LODGE RELIGION. 

The Fundamental Doctrine, the "Universal 
Fatherhood of God." Discussed and Refuted. 4 
pag«s ; postpaid, 3 copies for 2c. A. paolcagre 
of 75 for 25 cents. 

EXPERIENCE OF STEPHEN MERRITT, 
THE EVANGELIST 

A 138-degree Mason. 7 pages ; postpaid, 2 
cents a copy. A packag'e of 25 for 25 cents. 

CATECHISM OF ODDFELLOWSHIP. 

What is Oddfellowship? Ought Christians to 
Perform Acts of Beneficence and Charity as Odd- 
fellows? Rebekah Lodge. By Rev. H. H. Hin- 
man. 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a copy; a pack- 
age of 25 for 25 cents. 

ARE INSURANCE LODGES CHRISTIAN? 

The Modern Woodmen of America an iUugtra- 
tlon. 4 pages ; postpaid, 3 copies for 2o< ▲ 
package of 75 for 25 cents. 

BAPTIST TESTIMONIES. 

From Rev. P. S. Henscn, D. D., Rev. A. 3^ 
Gordon, D. D., Rev. Nathaniel Colver, D. D., and 
others. 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A 
package of 25 for 25 cents. 

PATRIOT AND THE LODGE. 

By Pres. C. A. Blanchard. From a patriotic 
address delivered at Waterloo, Iowa, July 4, 
1912. 16 pages; postpaid, 2 cents a copy: a 
oackage of 25 for 25 cents. 

COLLEGE FRATERNITIES. 

Consisting of testimonies of prominent edu- 
cators and writers on the fraternity question. 
8 pages; postpaid, 2 cents a copy; a package of 
25 for 25 cents. 

>OR ^^'OMEN WHO THINK 

A paper on Women's Lodges, including college socie- 
ties, female Masonry, female Oddfellcrwship and the minor 
female orders, and showing the spiritual and inoral menace 
of these orders; 8 pages; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A 
package of 25 for 25 cents. 

WHY I LEFT THE REBEKAH LODGE. 

By Mrs. Elizabeth M. Rull. 6 pages ; post- 
paid, 2 cents a copy. A package of 25 for SC 
cents. 



PERSONAL WORK: HOW TO SAVE OHRW. 
TIANS FROM LODGES. 

By Charles A. Blanchard, D. D., President 
of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois. Post* 
paid, 2 cents a copy. 

CHURCH AND LODGE. 

An Address Delivered at Mr. Moody's *'OoB<^ 
fwence for Christian Workers," at Northfl^d. 
Mass., by President Charles A. Blanchard, D. D. 
15 pages; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A pftok- 
Offe of 25 for 25 OMXts. 

ODDFELLOWSHIP A RELIGIOUS TNOTL 

TUTION 
And Rival of the Christian Church. 8 pagM; 
postpaid, 2 cents a copy; a package of M t9K 
25 cents. 



WHY I LEFT THE MASONS. 

By Col. George R. Clarke. A Thirty-two De- 
gree Mason, an officer of the Civil War, founder 
of "Pacific Garden Mission," Chicago, and a Chris- 
tian Worker of national reputation. 11 pages; 
postpaid, 2 cents a copy. A packag'e of 38 
for 25 cents. 



GRACIOUSLY DELIVERED 

From Seven Secret Societies. By Rev. B. Q. 
Wellesley-Wesley. 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a 
copy. A package of 25 for 25 cents. 



ETHICS OF MARRIAGE AND HOME LITR 

Secret Societies in Relation to the Home. 
By Rev. A. C. Dixon, D. D., pastor of Chicago 
Avenue (Moody) Church, Chicago. 3 pages; post- 
paid, 3 copies for 2 cents. A package of 75 fox 
25 cents. 



TWO NIGHTS IN A LODGE ROOM. 

Rev. M. L. Haney, a minister and evangelist 
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a seced- 
ing Mason, tells his experience and states his 
objections to the Lodge. A Christian Lodge Im- 
possible. Is the Lodge a Help or a Hindrance 
to Salvation? 8 pages ; postpaid, 2 cents a copy. 
A package of 25 for 25 cents. • 



WHY DO MEN REMAIN ODDFBLLOW»Y 

By Rev. J. Blanchard. 4 pages ; postoalA, 3 
topies for 2 cents; a vackage of 75 for 25 cents. 

OATHS AND PENALTIES OF FREE- 
, MASONRY 

As proved in court in the New Berlin trial. 
Also the letter of Hon. Richard Rush, to the 
Anti-Masonic Committee of York Co., Pa., 
May 4th, 1831. The New Berlin Trials began 
in the attempt of Freemasons to prevent pub- 
lic initiations by seceding Masons. These 
trials were held at New Berlin, Chenango Co., 
N. Y., April 13 and 14, 1831. General Augus- 
tus C. Welsh. Sheriff of the County, and oth- 
er adhering Freemasons swore to the truth- 
ful revelation of the Oaths and Penalties. 
Single Copy, 10 cents. 



A package containing: 20 or more of tho above tnteU 

ivill be sent, postpaid, for 25 cent*. 



NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
850 W. Madison St. CHICAGO. ILL. 




/OL. LIII. 



CHICAGO, AUGUST, 1920. 



No. 4 





THE MAYFLOWER 

Tn September, 1920, a "second Mayflower" 
will set sail from Southampton. Kni^land. to 
follow to the American shore the ])ath taken 
by the original. — but this second Mayflower 
will be modern and much more seaworthy 
than her smaller predecessor. 




OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAR 



\X^L. LIII. Xo. 4. 



CHICAGO 



AUGUST, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

Published Monthly by tho National Christian 
Association. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 



TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE— Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribe for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In .such cases, if \^e are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not regu* 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wi 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should be addressed to 
Wm. I. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 
Entered as Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 

nt the Po.3t Office at Chicago, III., under Act of 

Vlarca 3, 1873. 



CONTENTS 



The Mayflower — Illustration Cover 

Lafayette, Hilaire, . Belloc, and the Duel — 

Fortnightly Review 99 

Shriners' Convention — The Morning Ore- 

gonian • • . . 100 

Shrine Head for Governor of Pennsyl- 
vania 100 

Hungary Dissolves Freemason Lodges... 100 

Secret Societies Barred 100 

Good News from Japan 100 

To Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of 

America's Origin 101 

The Grave of Miles Standish in Duxbury, 

Mass. — Illustration 101 

Old Jamestown, Va., Church Tower — Illus- 
tration 102 

Map of Provincetown and vicinity 103 

The Puritans' Flight to Holland, by B. 

T. Pettengill 103 

The Pilgrims — ^Their Principles, by Sam- 
uel E. Clark..... 106 

Our Present-Day Attitude Toward the 

Lodge, by Rev. J. R. Graebner 100 

Why "Primitive Baptists" Do Not Fellow- 
ship Secret Societies, by Elder Lee 
Hanks 110 



The United Brethren Church, by J. C. 

Young 113 

Congregations' Duty to Lodge Members, 

by B. M. Holt 114 

The New Administration Building, Balboa 

Heights, Canal Zone — Photograph 114 

Street in Old Panama — Photograph 118 

Labor Unions, by Dr. G. A. Pegram 118 

"Royal Highlanders" Readjust 120 

In the Name of the Lord Jesus, by Rev. 

Cornelius Maring 121 

Books Received 122 

News of Our Work: 

Contributions 122 

"Lizzie Woods' Letter," Mrs. L. W. 
Roberson 122 

Eastern Secretary's Report, by Rev. W. 
B. Stoddard 124 

Items from Correspondents 125 

Observations by Satan's Foeman 126 

Testimonials 126 

My Neighbor — Poem 127 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 

Vice-President, Rev. Wm. B. Rose. 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. L 
Phillips. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

Walter Wietzke, A. W. Safford, G. W. 
Hylkema, Wm. P. Ferries, J. R. Shaf- 
fer, G. W. Bond, M. P. F. Doermann, 
A. H. Leaman, C. A. Blanchard, George 
Slager and Thos. C. McKnight. 

LECTURERS. 

Those desiring lectures or addresses 
may write to any of the speakers named 
below : 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 
Falls Church, Virginia 

Rev. Adam Murrman, Slatington, Pa. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 
Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24th 
St., Argenta, Ark. 

Pres. C. A. Blanchard, Wheaton, 111 



There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
aaved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus answerea 


him: I 


spake 


openly 


to the 


world, 


and in 


secret 


have I 


said nothing. | 


—Joh 


n 18:20 



The Buffalo Ei'cning Nezi's recently 
answered the question of a correspond- 
ent as to what lodges the Republican 
nominee for President, Hon. Warren G. 
Harding, belonged, answered : 

''He belongs to the Moose, Odd Fellows. 
Hoo Hoo, and is a first degree Mason." 

Will he have the strength of character 
to resist the pressure that now will be 
brought upon him to complete the Blue 
Lodge degrees ? Let us pray that he may 
show himself as strong a character as 
did President Cleveland, who stood four- 
square against such pressure, which was 
continued even after his presidential 
term bad expired. 



UNITED STATES SENATE. 
Washington, D. C. 
Marion, Ohio, July 19, 1920. 
My Dear Mr. Phillips : 

In reply to your letter of July 15th, I 
desire to advise you that the only orders 
of which Senator Harding is a member 
are the Elks, Moose and the Knights of 
Pythias. 

Very truly yours, 
(Signed) Geo. B. Christian, Jr., 

Secretarv. 



One thousand prominent members of 
the Knights of Columbus in the L^nited 
States will go to France in August to 
participate in the dedication of the 
$50,000 statue of La Fayette by Paul \\'. 
Bartlett, wdiich the Knights will present 
to the city of Metz. 



LAFAYETTE, HILAIRE BELLOC, AND 
THE DUEL. 

In view of the discussion concerning 
the Catholicity of Lafayette, the fol- 
lowing, reproduced from \o\. XIII, 
No. 4 (Feb. 15, 1905) of the Fortnightly 



Rcviezi', will prove of interest: 'Tt is 
still the fashion with some to claim La- 
fayette as a Catholic. But as Mr. Grif- 
fin points out in his [Catholic Historical] 
Researches (New Series I, i), there is 
no basis for this claim. Lafayette never 
gave any signs of the faith while in 
America ; he attended religious services 
in an Episcopalian church and frater- 
nized w^ith "Freemasons." 

Hilaire Belloc says of Lafayette in his 
book, ''The French Revolution," Lon- 
don, 191 1, p. 66: 'Tn religion the man 
was anodyne. Catholic, of course, by bap- 
tism, but distinctly Protestant in morals 
and in general tone, in dogma (until the 
end of his life), freethinking, of course, 
like all his contemporaries." 

This passage calls for a word of in- 
cidental comment. "Anodyne" is defined 
by the dictionaries as "having power to 
allay pain, soothing to the mind or feel- 
ings." What ]\Ir. Belloc probably means 
is that Lafayette had no use for religion 
except as a means to soothe the feelings 
of distressed persons, mainly women and 
children. This was quite a common view 
among the infidels and Masons of his 
day. 

By saying that Lafayette was free- 
thinking in dogma "until the end of his 
life," we suppose Mr. Belloc wishes to 
insinuate that he died a Catholic. Hie 
late ^Martin I. J. Griffin, whom we have 
(juotcd above, in his Historical Research- 
es for 1910, Xew Series, \'ol. \ I. \o. 
4, ]). 400. establishes the fact that La- 
fayette "had a religious funeral at the 
Assumption Church, Paris, and was 
buried in a consecrated cemetery" : but 
in view of the conditions then existing 
in France, this affords no certain evi- 
dence that he died in the faith. His 
fellow ALasons did not think so, for they 
glorified him in their obituary resolu- 
tions. — The Fortnightly Rez'iezi'. 



100 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



1 SHRINERS' CONVENTION. 

Light Comes From Allah. 

(From The Morning Oregonian (Port- 
land), June 24, 1920.) 

As if by Allah's direction, old Sol 
shifted to a position yesterday afternoon 
which sent long shafts of light down 
upon the heads of more than 500 imperial 
representatives of the Mystic Shrine, 
representing 400,000 of the faithful in 
North America. 

These light shafts were mistaken for 
artificial rays directed into the conven- 
tion hall by powerful searchlights for ef- 
fect. But instead, as one of the delegates 
announced, it was real sunlight, the true 
light of Allah, sent as his indorsement 
of the plan of the nobility of America to 
render service to the unfortunate crip- 
pled and maimed children of the con- 
tinent. 



SHRINE HEAD FOR GOVERNOR. 

On June 19, at Helena, Mont., W. 
Freeland Kendrick of Philadelphia, Im- 
perial Potentate of the Mystic Shrine, 
authorized the announcement that he 
would be a candidate for governor of 
Pennsylvania on the Republican ticket. 



HUNGARY DISSOLVES FREE MASON 
LODGES. 

"Copenhagen, June i, 1920. — A dis- 
patch received here from Budapest says 
the Hungarian minister of the interior 
has issued a decree dissolving all Free- 
mason lodges, the funds of which will 
be confiscated and devoted to 'humani- 
tarian purposes.' The dispatch adds 
that it is alleged that the lodges even be- 
fore the war were revolutionary cen- 
ters." 

]\Iasons, Mormons, Knights of Colum- 
bus — caucusing in their various secret 
lodges for the political control of our 
country. When will the United States 
show the wisdom and civic sense mani- 
fested by Japan and Hungary in sup- 
pressing these despotic, designing bodies 
in our republic. 



Franklin D. Roosevelt, nominee for 
Vice-President on the Democratic ticket, 
is a member of the Episcopal church, the 
Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and is a 
T^Iason. according to the daily press. 



SECRET SOCIETIES BARRED. 

There are no native Masonic nor Odd- 
Fellow lodges in Japan or Russia, as both 
of these countries forbid secret societies. 



GOOD NEWS FROM JAPAN. 
Kunamoto, Japan, May 31, 1920. 
Air. B. M. Holt, 
Barnesville, Minn., U. S. A. 

Dear Sir: Your card of April 14, 
1920, addressed to "Secretary, Masonic 
Lodge, Kunamo, Japan," was delivered 
to us, and while not addressed to us, we 
take liberty to supply you with the fol- 
lowing information : 

There is no Masonic lodge in Kuna- 
moto. The Japanese government very 
wisely prohibits any secret organizations 
existing in this country. 

Rev. E. T. Horn has not lived in Kun- 
amoto for five years. He is now in U. 
S.. America. He is not a Mason. 

Rev. F. N. D. Buchman has never 
resided in Japan. He is now in America. 
We do not know his attitude toward sec- 
ret organizations, but knowing him as 
a Christian, we would be very much sur- 
prised if he has associated himself with 
any such organization of darkness. 

We ourselves are not only not mem- 
bers of the Masonic organization, but as 
Christians, we disapprove of and oppose 
this and all secret organizations as being 
contrary to the spirit of Christ, and sub- 
versive to His kingdom. 

May we ask the reason for your in- 



quiry 



Very sincerely, 

Clarence S. Noman, 
A. J. Stirewalt, 

J. M. WiNTHER. 



[Editor's Note. — The contents of Mr 
Holt's card was merely an inquiry ask- 
ing whether or not the two mentioned 
Lutheran pastors were Masons. 

The reason why Mr. Holt wanted to 
know this was because he has been an 
active Mason himself for six years, but 
has, by the grace of God, come to the 
knowledge of the Christless religion of 
the lodge, and is witnessing against it 
with all faithfulness. 

We do not publish this letter in order 
to show up any persons, but think the 
ministry in general may profit by the 
stand taken by the people of Japan. A 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



101 



copy of the Cynosure will be sent to the 
three signers of the letter.] 



TO CELEBRATE THE SOOTH ANNI- 
VERSARY OF AMERICA'S ORIGIN. 

The year 1920 is doubly significant, 
historically. It marks the 300th anniver- 
sary of two important events which led 
to the founding of the Republic of the 
United States of America. One is the 
signing of the Mayflozuer compact and 
the landing of the Pilgrims ; and the oth- 
er is the meeting of the first Amencan 
legislative assembly. 

On November 11, 1620, in the cabin 



of a vast wilderness, a state without a 
king or a noble, a church without a bisH- 
op or a priest, a democratic common- 
wealth, the members of which were 
straitly tied to all care of each other's 
good, and of the whole by every one. 

''With long-suffering devotion and 
sober resolution they illustrated for the 
first time in history the principles of civil 
and religious liberty and the practice of 
a genuine democracy." 

Meantime, uninformed of the Pil- 
grims, fellow-colonists of Captain John 
Smiith had met at ''J^^^^s City" (James- 
town), Virginia, for the first American 




The grave of Myles StandisJi in Duxbury, Mass. 



of the Mayflower, a tiny bark lying oft' 
the Massachusetts coast, a little band of 
liberty-loving men from "Brittania," 
entered into what history has styled the 
^layflower Compact. This agreement 
bound the forty-one adult males in the 
ship's co!npany into a civil body politic 
for the better ordering, preserving, and 
furthering of their mutual ends. And it 
provided for such just and equal laws 
and offices as should be necessary for 
the general good of the colony. 

Ten days later, so records Dr. Charles 
W. Eliot's inscription on the Pilgrim 
Memorial Monument at Provincetown, 
Mass., "the IMayflower, carrying 102 pas- 
sengers, men and women and children, 
cast anchor in this harbor 67 days from 
Plymouth, England. 

'This body politic, established and 
maintained on this bleak and barren edge 



Legislative Assembly. C^n July 30, 1619, 
they had thus broken ground for the 
foundation of the present democratic 
form of government in the United States. 

This year (in 1920) these events are 
being commemorated in the United 
States, in England and in Holland. In 
August, the origin of the Pilgrim move- 
ment will be celebrated in England. And 
early in September, meetings will be held 
in Holland in memory of the Pilgrims' 
sojourn in that country. 

In September, a ''second Mayflozcer'' 
will set sail from Southampton, England, 
to follow to the American shore the path 
taken by the original ^Mayflower. (But 
this second ]Mayflowcr will be modern, 
and therefore much more seaworthy 
than her smaller predecessor.) 

This boat, carrying many prominent 
people of England, Holland and the 



102 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



United States, will anchor in Province- 
tewn Harbor in late September. Its ar- 
rival will perhaps mark the crowning 
dramatic episode of the entire Tercenten- 
ary celebrations. 

These events will not be celebrated in 
the United States by the citizens of 
Massachusetts and \Trginia alone. Nor 
solely by the New England and South 
Atlantic states. Communities through- 
out America are planning to take this 
opportunity to review the "foundation 
upon which the United States rests" — 
and to re-emphasize those principles 
which these ancestors established — and 
which their sons, their followers, and 
their followers' sons have handed down 
to us through our form of representa- 



tive government. 

America is appropriating, from nation- 
al and state treasuries, hundreds of thou- 
sands of dollars to be used in plans for 
the commemoration. One plan is to erect, 
overlooking Plymouth harbor, a colossal 
statue of Massasoit, the Indian chief who 
befriended the Puritan pioneer. Another 
is to set the Plymouth Rock, which in 
1 74 1, was raised above the tide, in its 
original position. 

Seventy American cities, including 
New York, Chicago and Boston have 
started plans for their celebrations of 
the Tercentenary. The Sulgrave Insti- 
tution and the American Mayflower 
Council have been active in co-ordinating 
these plans. 




The Picturesque Ruins of tiie Old Jamestown, Virginia, Church Tower. It 
Undisturbed and Appears Now Just as in the Picture. 



Has Been Left 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



103 




cq r: 



-%% 



c -^ j:: " o. 



a 



^-2 



be cs 



an O 







OS ^ 

^ 5" 
■{. _ 









be a 

C 03 






? ^ 



II 

o 






^^1 



Tl'" 



-C aJ c .-i - 



age 

a ^ 






THE PURITANS' FLIGHT TO 
HOLLAND. 

In i6o2 a number of Puritan's God- 
fearing men, taking the Bible as their 
sole rule of action, "joined themselves," 
says Bradford, "by a covenant of the 
Lord in a church estate, in the fellowship 
of the Gospel, to walk in all His ways, 
made known, or to be made known unto 
them, according to their best endeavors." 
regardless of personal consequences. 

It perhaps seems a little thing for a 
number of lowly obscure men among the 



hills of England to form a church com- 
pact like this. But in this little compact, 
framed in this kingdom of the old world, 
was hidden the germ of the republic that 
was to arise in the new. 

They had founded the first church on 
Bible repul)lican principles since those oi 
primitive times ; and in it they covenanted 
to follow God's teachings ^'zvhafever it 
cost theni." These words deserve to be 
written in letters of gold to encourage 
all struggling for rfght, and to shame 
those who now, when dungeons and the 



104 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August. 1920. 



stake are things of the past, shrink from 
raising their voices in defense of suffer- 
ing unpopular truth. 

Royal proclamations, required all Eng- 
lish subjects to conform to the liturgy. 
The Separatists refused. Some were 
banished, more imprisoned, and others 
hung. The persecutions the Non-con- 
formists endured were bitter and relent- 
less. The case stood thus : They would 
not, they could not conform, and to stay 
in England was continual persecution or 
death. Hearing that free toleration of 
religious opinion was allowed in Hol- 
land, after careful deliberation they re- 
solved to go there. And this was not a 
slight undertaking. To go to Holland 
meant more than a short voyage over a 
narrow sea. It meant partings from 
native country, home and frier.ds ; a so- 
journ in a strange land, the learning of 
a new language, and the supporting of 
their families in ways to which they were 
totally unaccustomed. 

How to get there was a question diffi- 
cult to answer. Their enemies would not 
let them either remain in quiet or depart 
in peace ; but closed the ports of the 
kingdom against them. They tried to 
procure a secret passage from the coun- 
try by the paying of extraordinary rates 
and again and again met with disappoint- 
ment or betrayal. In the spring of 1608, 
a Dutchman agreed to take them from a 
point between Grimsby and Hull. One 
boat-load of the men was just aboard, 
when, a band of soldiers appearing, the 
captain with an oath weighed anchor and 
sailed away. It seemed as though their 
misfortunes would never end. Yet 
through all of them they never shrunk 
from their purpose to secure freedom of 
conscience and a pure worship at what- 
ever cost. 

Consider for a moment, the anguish of 
these men thus torn by tyranny from 
their helpless wives and children, and 
witness their agony of suspense during 
the dreary days following, while they 
were tossed by a fierce storm on the deep. 
We can almost hear the sobs of the 
women on the shore, mourning for hus- 
bands then taken off, or for their little 
ones who clung about them, trembling 
at once with fear and with cold. Follow 
the women thence, driven like sheep from 
place to place and from magistrate to 



Glance over the untold suf- 
fering of the Puritans from Wickliffe 
down through two centuries and a half. 
Visit Lollars tower and see the prisoner 
in tortures, pining away in the cold and 
the dark. Stand by Hooper, slowly burn- 
ing in his fire of green fagots, while, in 
the words of the quaint and terrible an- 
nals, "the fat and water and blood" fall! 
from the fingers of his hands with which 
he smites his breast. Then sum up, if 
you can find the nerve to do so, all this 
suffering ; and when you have pressed: 
it into a cup of agony filled to the brim,, 
perhaps we may begin to realize, some- 
tJiiug of what American principles have 
cost. 

At length, after much trouble they 
were permitted to leave England. They 
settled at Leyden under the pastoral care 
of the good and faithful John Robinson^ 

They had fled to Holland to enjoy that 
liberty of conscience and freedom in wor- 
ship that the combined tyranny of King; 
and magisterial bishop forbade in Eng- 
land. In this foreign country, while 
struggling with poverty, but free from 
persecution, their • principles took root 
anew and gained the strength necessary 
for their destined transplanting to Amer- 
ica ; in all of which we plainly trace the 
Divine hand leading to the preservation 
and establishment of truth in these 
States. 

Having noticed briefly the flight of the 
Puritans to Holland, the causes that led 
to it, the obstacles they met with, and 
the object they had in view, let us dis- 
cover if we can, whether there be any 
connection between the determination of 
the progenitors of this republic to be 
guided only by God's Word in matters of 
religion, and that liberty in church and 
state of which Americans now boast. 

The Bible is the source of all true lib- 
erty. For only in proportion to the 
spread of its teachings have soul fetters, 
and the power of despots been broken. 

When the Puritans, therefore, took it 
as their only guide and determined to fol- 
low its teachings at whatever cost they 
had taken a large step towards human 
freedom. 

The Puritans by opposing innovations 
in religion strove for a pure church and 
religious liberty. While they were in 
England, king and queen had command- 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



105 



ed them to worship thus and so. They 
saw that if kings had authority to say 
how they must worship God, that there 
was almost nothing which they might 
not command or exact. For if any mon- 
arch has compulsory authority over the 
conscience and soul of men, his power 
over his subjects must be absolute and 
his rule despotic ; since ''whoever has the 
right to govern men for eternity, surely 
has the right to rule them in time." They 
perceived that the Bible underlies thf. 
Christian religion, and that this being 
the case all the authority for her modes 
of worship must be derived from it. In 
its sacred pages however they found no 
such authority delegated to any earthly 
power. But the bishops, high officers in 
the church, commanded observance of 
the liturgy. 

Having found that civil pozi'cr had 
no right to make laws for the faith and 
order of the church, they next discov- 
ered that bishops clothed with magisterial 
po-zi'cr, as such, had not a rightful ex- 
istence, much less such authority. By 
bursting the bonds of priest and bishop 
they became first possessed of religious 
liberty; and to seek ciz'il freedom was 
but a natural result of minds thus un- 
fettered. 

Even many of their enemies perceived 
this. Queen Elizabeth and her leading 
statesmen saw it; and "determined to 
crush the rising doctrine of popular 
rights." The ''judicious Hooker," hon- 
ored alike by the Church of England and 
Roman Catholics to this day, saw it and 
said "Let not any one imagine that the 
bare and naked difference of a few cere- 
monies could either have kindled jso 
much fire, or caused it to flame so long," 
and that while laboring for reformation, 
they "had somewhat more than this mark 
whereat to aim." James I, whom Sully 
called the wisest fool in Europe, saw it, 
and said in reply to the Puritans' appeal 
for church reformation: "No bishop, no 
king." 

To break the power of priest-craft and 
set aside its despotic authority and high 
titles, meant like destruction to like des- 
potism and lordly titles in ciz'ic goz'crn- 
ment, and final freedom from the yoke 
of kings. 

The more closely we examine them, 
the more clearly we see that the prin- 



ciples, which the Puritan^ held dear are 
those that underlie all liberty whether 
civil or ecclesiastical. Bishop and mon- 
arch have acknowledged it ; historians, in- 
fidel and Christian, hostile and friendly, 
have reaffirmed it ; reason asserts it ; and 
time has but strengthened the general 
conviction of the great truth, that the 
Bible is not only our guide to salvation 
but the charter of our liberties and the 
pole star of our earthly hopes. 

B. T. Pettexgill. 



THE PILGRIMS— THEIR PRINCIPLES, 

Wliat was it which led the Pilgrims 
to leave their native land, endeared to 
them by all that ever renders our birth- 
place and the scenes of our early days 
dear to us? Was it a desire for wealth 
and the life of ease and luxury which it 
is supposed to bring? Were they urged 
on by hopes of gold and precious metals 
which needed only to be gathered from 
the surface, or obtained from the natives, 
to afford the possessor the means of 
gratifying his every desire? For such 
things did the early settlers of A'irginia 
and the inhuman conquerors of ^Mexico 
and Peru seek ; and by such motives were 
they influenced. Was it in hopes of find- 
ing amid the western wilds that magic 
spring of "Perennial Youth" in whose 
waters the old man might bathe and 
have his blood again course through his 
veins with all the wild impetuositr of 
his youth, and renew his strength and 
vigor ? This it was which nerved the 
earlier explorers of Florida, and impelled 
De Soto to explore this ^Mississippi val- 
ley and be the first to gaze upon these 
western prairies clothed in all their native 
beauty. 

Was it any or all these which influ- 
enced the Pilgrims? Xo. It was a high- 
er, nobler purpose which led them to 
seek a home upon the rough and inhos- 
pitable shores of Xew England. They 
came to secure a place where they might 
worship God according to the dictates of 
their own consciences. It was the cause 
of religion which laid the corner-stone of 
New England, and their motives, relig- 
ious faith and fear, religious hope and 
trust, the fear of God. the love of Christ, 
an assured faith in the Holy Scriptures, 
and an assured hope of a life of bliss and 
blessedness to come. These, and these 



lOo 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



alone, were sufficient to nerve them to 
seek a place where they might enjoy 
"Freedom to worship God"; or, in the 
words of Winthrop, "to seek out a place 
of cohabitation and consortship under a 
due form of government both civil and 
ecclesiastical." 

Such in brief were the principles and 
aims of the Pilgrims. Possibly, as some 
assert, "they builded wiser than they 
knew." But they built nobly. They sev- 
ered the democratic principle from all 
the principles which repressed it in the 
old communities of Europe and trans- 
planted it unalloyed to the New World. 
And all these law^s are clearly the result 
of their religion. And why should it not 
be so? "The fear of the Lord is the be- 
ginning of wisdom" was a truth ages 
ago. And today religion is the road to 
knowledge ; and the observance of the 
divine laws, the foundation of civil free- 
dom. 

Samuel E. Clark. 



OUR PRESENT-DAY ATTITUDE TO- 
WARD THE LODGE. 

BY REV. J. R. GRAEBNER^ FT. WAYNE, IND. 

(Continued from the June number.) 

The Lodge Religion. 

In most lodges, as already said, mem- 
bers join in stated religious rites and 
exercises conducted by religious officers, 
chaplains, priests, etc., according to ac- 
cepted rituals or books of forms. 

^Mackey tells us that Masonry is a 
''religious institution," and that its cere- 
monies are "part of a really religious 
worship" (Encyclopedia, page 60), and 
that it is indebted solely to the religious 
element which it contains for its origin 
and continued existence, and that with- 
out this religious element it would 
scarcely be worthy of cultivation by the 
wise and good. (Encyclopedia, page 
640.) He further states that no one can 
deny that it is eminently a religious in- 
stitution, since it inculcates religious doc- 
trine, commands religious observance, 
and teaches religious truth (Encyclo- 
pedia, page 641). On page 594 of his 
Encyclopedia he says: ''Freemasonry is 
a religious institution and hence its regu- 
lations inculcate the use of prayer as a 
proper tribute of gratitude to the bene- 
ficent Author of Life." 



Grosh tells us in his Manual that "Odd- 
Fellowship was founded on' great re- 
ligious principles" (page 348) ; "we have 
a religious test" (page 364) ; "we use 
forms of worship" (page 364) ; "we fre- 
quently read valuable lessons from the 
Sacred Volume" (page 364) ; "we draw 
from it our moral code and the peculiar 
instruction which unfolds our obliga- 
tions to God and our brother-man" 
(page 364) ; "so far we are a religious 
body and have a religious faith for the 
basis of our fellowship and to unite us 
in religious duty" (page 364). 

Though the religious feature is not so 
prominent and pronounced in the other 
lodges as it is in Masonry and Odd- 
Fellowship, they all have more or less 
of it. They all have the same "religious 
test" that the Masons and Odd-Fellows 
have : "Do you believe in a Supreme 
Being?" They all have prayers for use 
in opening and closing meetings, in burial 
services, etc. They all mention moral 
education of their members as one of 
their objects. The Foresters of America, 
for instance, in their "Constitution and 
General Laws of the Foresters of 
America and Decision of Supreme Court, 
Governing Supreme, Grand and Sub- 
ordinate Courts and Endowment Fund" 
(published in Brooklyn, N. Y., by W. C. 
Rosenkranz, 331-333 Adams Street: 
1901), say: "This fraternity ... is es- 
tablished ... to inspire its members 
with the elevating influence of a proper 
recognition of the stern realities and re- 
sponsibilities of life." Article I of the 
Supreme Court Constitution mentions 
the third object of the order as follows: 
"To educate its members socially, moral- 
ly and intellectually." 

What Is the Religion of the Lodge? 

Does the lodge worship the true God 
or an idol? Does the lodge recognize 
Christ as the Savior from sin, or does it 
stand for salvation by man's own works ? 

Mackey says in his Encyclopedia : 
"Masonry demands of its adherents a 
belief in God, the Creator of all things, 
who is therefore recognized as the Grand 
Architect of the Universe'" The same 
statement can be found in every Ma- 
sonic ritual, also in those used publicly 
at Masonic funerals. There can be no 
doubt that Masonry worships a god 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



107 



whom it calls the Grand Architect of the 
Universe. We quote from Mackey's En- 
cyclopedia (page 20'5) : "This institution 
cannot require its members to give their 
adhesion to any religious dogmas or pre- 
cepts excepting those which express a 
belief in the existence of a God and the 
immortality of the soul." And (page 
192) : "This creed consists of two arti- 
cles, first, a belief in God, the . . . Grand 
Architect of the Universe, and secondly, 
a belief in the eternal life. . ." And 
from Freemason's Monitor (page 44) : 
"The universal principles of the art unite 
men of the most opposite tenets, of the 
most distant countries, and of the most 
contrary opinions." According to these 
Alasonic authorities, Alasonry does not 
recognize the true God. 

Grosh tells us in his Manual that Odd- 
Fellowship "requires of every candidate 
for initiation an expression of his faith 
and trust in a supreme Intelligence as 
the Creator and Preserver of the Uni- 
verse''' (page 36), and he calls this "prin- 
ciple'^ ''the corner-stone of the entire 
institution" (page 363). He further 
says (page 297) : "Judaism, Christian- 
ity, Mohammedanism recognize the one. 
only living and true God." 

All the other lodges have the same 
creed as the ^lasons and Odd-Fellows. 
In the initiatory ceremonies of the 
United Order of Foresters the Record- 
ing Secretary asks the candidate, "Do 
you believe in the existence of a Supreme 
Ruler?" In the By-Laws of the Mod- 
ern Woodmen of America, published in 
1912 by the Alodern \\'oodmen Press, 
Rock Island, Illinois, chapter r. sectioi; 
2, we find the provision that "its mem- 
bers shall be believers in a Supreme Be- 
ing." Examples could be multiplied 
ad infinitiiin. The lodge creed amounts 
to this, as the old Masonic song has it: 

"In one immortal throng we view 
Christian and pagan, Cireek and Jew. 
But all their doubt and darkness o'er. 
One only God they now adore." 

Lodge Prayers. 

The prayers in lodge rituals also show 
this very thing. They are all directed to 
some unknown Supreme Being called 
Almighty God, or Grand Architect of 
the Universe, or Great Spirit of the 
Universe, or Allah, or Father. Guide, 



Friend, or something else which denotes 
simply some benign Supreme Being. 

Christ's name is frequently purposely 
avoided. On page 24 of Freemason's 
Monitor we find a prayer which reads : 
"\'ouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father 
of the Universe, to this our present con- 
vention ; and grant that this candidate 
for Masonry may dedicate and devote 
his life to Thy service, and become a 
true and faithful brother among us. 
Endue him with a competency of Thy 
divine wisdom, that by the secrets of our 
art he may be better enabled to display 
the beauties of brotherly love, relief and 
truth, to the honor of Thy holy name. 
Amen." 

Grosh (Manual, page 185) recom- 
mends the following as a model prayer 
for Odd-Fellows' meetings : ''Prayer at 
Opening. Almighty and" most merciful 
God, we adore Thee as the Creator of 
all worlds and the righteous Governor 
of all beings, upon whom we are de- 
pendent for life and all its blessings and 
without whose favor no human enter- 
prise can permanently prosper. Lift 
upon us, we pray Thee, O Lord, the 
light of Thy countenance, and bless us 
while we are together this evening. May 
all things be done in the spirit of charity 
and brotherly kindness, and may our 
labors be blessed to the promotion of the 
best interests of our beloved order. Hear 
us, O God, in behalf of the stranger, the 
sick, the afflicted, the widow, and the 
orphan ; and bless them as Thou seest 
they may need. Keep us ever in Thy 
fear and wisdom and save us all with an 
everlasting salvation ; and to Thy great 
name be all the glory, as it was in the 
beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 
world without end. Amen." 

Another example (page 22) of lodge 
prayer: "O Thou Great Spirit, we 
acknowledge Thy wisdom and goodness 
toward the Red ]\Ien of our Tribe. We 
ask Thee to watch over us during the 
shunbers of the night and while follow- 
ing the hunt. Guard us from all harm, 
succor the distressed, feed the hungry 
and clothe the poor. Do, Thou. Great 
Spirit, impress upon each Red Man's 
heart to bear patiently the lot assigned 
to him on earth so that, when he is called 
from the hunting-grounds of his fathers, 
he mav meet the shaft of death with 



108 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



unwavering courage, and feel assured 
that Thou wilt sustain him through the 
'dark valley of the shadow of death.' 
Hear us, O Great Spirit." 

Listen to the genuine Masonic New 
Year's greeting: ''May Allah be with 
you through the season of feasting. May 
He guard and guide you through peace- 
ful and pleasant ways in the year to 
come. ]\Iay He ever have you in His 
holy keeping. Salaam." 

At a memorial service of the Elks held 
at Fort Wayne a few years ago, the 
well-known Common Doxology was 
sung in the following perverted form : 
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; 
Praise Him, all creatures here below; 
Praise Him above for all that's good; 
Praise God for our true brotherhood. 

Should not every Christian feel at 
once that there is something missing in 
these prayers? Christ is not there; 
nothing even to remind one of Him. It 
is incomprehensive how a Christian can 
feel at home and at ease among such 
prayers, which are in every respect so 
different from the prayers in Christian 
books for use in Christian homes, 
churches and schools. 

Omitted, But Not by Accident. 

But is there not a possibility that 
Jesus and His bloody sacrifice are only 
by accident and coincidence conspicuous 
by their absence in these prayers ? None 
whatever. Or could it be by accident or 
mere coincidence that all the lodges 
throughout omit Christ in their rituals? 
No, these prayers are evidently purpose- 
ly and carefully drawn up without any 
mention of Christ and His atoning blood, 
and forgiveness, life and salvation 
through Him. The Grand Lodge of 
Masons of Pennsylvania said in a judi- 
cial decision : "To offer prayer in the 
name of Christ is contrary to the uni- 
versality of Masonry." Mackey says : 
''Masonry is not a Christian institution. 
If it was, the Jew, and the Moslem, the 
Brahman and the Buddhist could not 
conscientiously partake of its illumina- 
tion. But its universality- is its boast. 
In its language citizens of every nation 
may converse ; at its altars men of all 
religions may kneel; to its faith disci- 
ples of every creed may subscribe." (En- 
cyclopedia, p. 162). We quote from the 
same w^ork : "Freemasonry is not Chris- 



tianity nor a substitute for it. The re- 
ligion of Masonry is not sectarian. It 
admits men of every creed within its 
hospitable bosom" (p. 641). "It is not 
Judaism, though there is nothing in it 
to offend the Jew ; it is not Christianity, 
but there is nothing in it repugnant to 
the faith of a Christian." 

It is anti-Masonic, because "contrary 
to the universality of Masonry, to offer 
prayer in the name of Christ" it is equal- 
ly un-Masonic to quote Scripture con- 
taining such expressions as "In the name 
of the Lord Jesus Christ," and therefore 
Masonry, in true Satanic fashion, sim- 
ply eliminates such words from Scrip- 
ture-texts and quotes the rest of the 
text. In Webb's Monitor (p. 122) 
2 Thess. 3:6 is quoted thus: "Now we 
command you, brethren, that ye with- 
draw yourselves from every brother that 
walketh disorderly and not after the 
tradition ye have received from us." The 
Bible says: "Now we command you, 
brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from 
every brother that walketh," etc. 2 Thess. 
3:12 is quoted as follows: "Now they 
that are such we command and exhort 
that with quietness they work and eat 
their own bread." The Bible says : 
"We command and exhort by our Lord 
Jesus Christ that with quietness they 
work and eat their own bread." This 
same passage is found in Mackey's Ma- 
sonic Ritualist, p. 348 and in Sickle's 
Monitor, II, p. 50 (printed by Effing- 
ham, Maynard & Co., New York). Many 
other examples of such exclusion of the 
name of Jesus might be cited. 

Grosh speaks for the Odd-Fellows as 
follows : "Odd-Fellowship being of all 
denominations, and some of them of no 
denomination, it would be absurd to sup- 
pose that they, or any of them, would 
require an initiate to give or receive the 
fellowship of the order as Presbyterian, 
Baptist, Lutheran or any other church- 
fellowship, or even as distinctively by 
Christian fellowship." "The descend- 
ants of Abraham, the various differing 
followers of Jesus, the Pariahs of strict- 
er sects, here gather around the same 
altar, as one family, manifesting no dif- 
ferences of creed or worship." (Grosh, 
Manual, p. 283.) 

The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Odd- 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



109 



Fellows, at the session of 1888, had the 
following question submitted to it for 
its decision: "Is it lawful for a chaplain 
to commence and finish his prayer in the 
name of Christ ?" In giving his decision, 
the Grand Sire, after defining the word 
"sect," used these words : "In this sense 
Christianity is a sect, hence it is inexpe- 
dient, unwise and, I think, unlawful to 
make prominent mention of it [the name 
of Christ] in lodge work." (See official 
report. No. 58, p. 105.) 

The Grand Lodge of Odd-Fellows of 
Massachusetts, at its semi-annual session, 
held in Boston, February 14, 1889, for- 
mally approved and adopted the action 
of the Grand Sire and Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, thus making it officially "inex- 
pedient, unwise and unlawful" for "a 
chaplain to commence and finish his 
prayer in the name of Christ," in any 
lodge within its jurisdiction. 

The Grand Lodge of Missouri, at its 
session in St. Louis, September 24, 1889, 
the decision of the Grand Sire was con- 
firmed and sustained ; and 

"Whereas, the decision of the Grand 
Sire places our order on record as hav- 
ing put a ban on the name of Christ ; 
therefore, 

"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge 
petition the Sovereign Grand Lodge to 
reverse the decision of the Grand Sire, 
as given in 1888, in relation to the name 
of Christ and prayer, and permit perfect 
toleration in matters of conscience in 
all our Grand and Subordinate Lodges." 
(See Official Report, pp. 12, 619.) 

On pages 12 and 675 the committee 
reports "no action can be taken by the 
committee" and the matter was dropped. 

The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, 
held at Newport, October 15, 1891, also 
adopted "vigorous resolutions, petition- 
ing the Sovereign Grand Lodge to re- 
verse its action and the decision of the 
Grand Sire, that the name of Christ 
cannot properly be used in lodge-rooms." 
(Boston Journal, October 15, 1891.) 

The reason why the protests of Chris- 
tian Odd-Fellows and even of Grand 
Lodges do not efifect a change and give 
relief is thus given by the Grand Sire 
of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in his 
decision in 1888: 

"Our Order only requires a belief in 
the existence of a Supreme Being as a 



qualification for membership, and has 
no affinity with any religious sect or sys- 
tem of faith. Hence, everything savor- 
ing of sectarianism is not to be tolerated. 

"The words 'system of faith' or 'sect' 
do not have reference merely to sects 
within the pale of Christianity, but 
have a far broader significance and in- 
clude all the religions of the world. In 
this sense Christianity is a sect ; hence, 
it is inexpedient and, I think, unlawful 
to make prominent reference to it in 
lodge work. . . . We have Jews and 
may have Mohammedans and other non- 
Christian sects within our order, and 
the rule applies to them equally with 
members of the Christian faith." 

In White's Digest of the laws, deci- 
sions, etc., of the Sovereign Grand 
Lodge, I. O. O. F., Sec. 596, we read : 
"No peculiar religious belief or practice 
is requisite to admission into the Order, 
and none disqualify. To the question: 
'Can a State Grand Lodge legally ap- 
prove a by-law of a subordinate which 
provides that "infidels shall not be pro- 
posed as members ?" ' the Grand Lodge 
answered : 'Since no peculiar religious 
views which do not affect the belief of 
the person asking admission into the Or- 
der in a Supreme Being, the Creator and 
Preserver of the Universe, can disqualify 
him for membership, neither can these 
views be allowed to interfere with the 
privilege of members in respect to prop- 
ositions for admission.' " 

The Principle the Same in All. 

The same principle is expressed in 
some other lodges and imphed in the rit- 
uals of all of them. It is simply this : 
We cater to men of all creeds and there- 
fore we cannot make any particular creed 
our lodge creed, neither the Jewish nor 
the Mohammedan, nor the Confucian, 
nor the Christian, and so Christ must not 
be mentioned in our religious exercises. 
We simply believe in a Supreme Being, 
and to that God, whoever He may be. we 
pray. 

But what say the Scriptures? "That 
at the name of Jesus every knee should 
bow, of things in Heaven, and things in 
earth, and things under the earth : and 
that every tongue should confess that 
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God 
the Father." (Phil. 2 :io-ii.) 

There is a great diflference between be- 



no 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



lieviiig in a God and believing in God, 
the only true God, and Jesus Christ, 
"whom He hath sent." To believe in a 
God means to believe that there is a Su- 
preme Being, and it does not mean any 
more than that. The heathen who bows 
down to wood and stone believes in a 
god. He believes his idol of wood and 
stone to be that Supreme Being. All his 
religious belief pertains to that idol. He 
fears, loves and trusts in that idol above 
all things. The North American Indian, 
when he still roamed on his happy hunt- 
mg-ground in the wilds of this continent, 
and long before he had ever seen a Bible 
or a missionary, was very religious and 
believed in a Great Spirit, Gitchi Mani- 
tou, the Mighty, as Longfellow tells us 
in "The Song of Hiawatha." So does the 
lodge believe in God, but not in the Tri- 
bune God — Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 
That god is, like the Great Spirit of the 
Indians in our primeval forest, a phan- 
tom of the imagination of those that wor- 
ship him, an idol made by man's mind, a 
fiction, a myth, a nothing. "Whosoever 
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath 
no God." (2 John 9.) 

To believe in God means to know and 
accept as true what the Scriptures say 
of God, and with firm confidence to trust 
in and rely upon God. And that God is 
Father, Son and Holy Ghost, three dis- 
tinct persons in one divine essence. He 
is the "God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ." (i Cor. i, 3.) Of Him the 
Savior says: "I and My Father are one." 
(John 10, 30.) He is the God who, to- 
gether with the Son and the Spirit, is 
one divine essence in three persons. To 
Him no one can come except through the 
Son (John 14, 6) ; the Son is in the 
Father and the Father in Him (John 14, 
11) ; through the Son we have access 
by one Spirit to the Father (Eph. 2, 18) ; 
and by the Son were all things created 
that are in heaven and that are in earth, 
visible and invisible (Col. i, 16). "All 
men should honor the Son even as they 
honor the Father. He that honoreth not 
the Son honoreth not the Father which 
hath sent him." (John 5, 23.) 

The unbelieving Jews said to Jesu^ : 
"We have one Father, even God." "Jesus 
said unto them. If God were your Father, 
ye would love Me ; for I proceeded forth 
and came from God." (John 8, 41, 42.) 



"If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall 
die in your sins." (John 8, 24.) "God 
so loved the world that He gave His only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
Him should not perish, but have ever- 
lasting life." (John 3, 16.) Jesus said 
in His high-priestly prayer : "This is life 
eternal that they might know Thee the 
only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom 
Thou hast sent." (John 17, 3.) St. John 
says in his First Epistle (2, 22-23) • 
"Who is a liar but he that denieth that 
Jesus is the Christ? He is anti-christ 
that denieth the Father and the Son. 
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same 
hath not the Father ; but he that ac- 
knowledgeth the Son hath the Father 
also." 

The lodge denies the Son completely, 
and so has not the Father. The lodge ij 
an idolatrous institution. It is Christless 
(To be continued.) 



WHY "PRIMITIVE BAPTISTS" DO 

NOT FELLOWSHIP SECRET 

SOCIETIES. 

BY ELDER LEE HANKS, EDITOR, GOSPEL 
MESSENGER. 

The Church of God is the greatest in- 
stitution in the world. It is the "ecclesia" 
a congregation of believers, called out 
from the world, with heavenly doctrine 
and practice. Christ is her only law- 
giver, and she looks to Him alone as her 
Head, Husband and the Giver of every 
good and perfect gift. She is blessed 
with all spiritual blessings in heavenly 
places in Christ, She is the light of the 
world, a city set on a hill whose light 
cannot be hid, and her light should never 
be put under a bushel. When her Savior, 
Leader and Exemplar taught her by pre- 
cept and example He Himself exempli- 
fied and did it openly. He did nothing 
in secret. Everything essential to that 
which is for her good here was delivered 
to the Church by her blessed Husband, 
who was an exhaustless storehouse of 
rich provisions which are adapted to the 
needs of every one of her members. 

She is one of three divine orders on 
earth. Her members have a secret that 
they can make none understand until 
they receive it, as the church has, by 
revelation. The secret of the Lord is 
with them that fear Him, and He will 
show unto them His covenant. The so- 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTJAN CYNOSURE 



111 



cieties of men may have done some moral 
good, but she excels them all. She is the 
greatest charitable* institution in the 
world. She loves and cares for her poor 
purely from a principle of love. She 
protects her members in the right, but 
never in a wrong. She has the greatest 
brotherhood on earth. All born of one 
blessed heavenly Father, and one Jeru- 
salem from above — the new Covenant of 
Grace which is free — is the mother of 
them all. She is the greatest temperance 
society on earth, the grace of God in the 
soul teaches her temperance, which is 
a fruit of the spirit abiding in her. She 
"black balls" no poor, humble child 
whose only hope is in Jesus. She re- 
ceives maimed, halt, blind, old or young, 
white or black, rich or poor, that has 
this humble hope, without money and 
without price. This is the only order 
that any true, loyal Primitive Baptist 
needs. 

We have many good friends that be- 
long to secret orders, but they are of the 
world. Let the world have them and 
keep them, but we cannot allow our 
members to belong to such societies and 
still remain in the church of God. We 
would advise all who love these worldly 
things better than the church to go to 
them and let our people alone. A^ou c:ui 
not be a loyal Christian and belong to 
the lodge. "You can not serve God and 
mammon." We have read a great cleal 
of secret-order literature and their re- 
ligions antagonize Christ and His 
Church. 

A man said to me, 'T belong to three 
secret orders, my dues are paid, and I 
am in full fellowship, but it is no place 
for a Christian; if a man is going to do 
a dirty deed I would advise him to join 
them, for they will protect him." A 
young man in Bainbridge, Georgia, mur- 
dered his partner in business. He was 
acquitted. He belonged to secret orders 
I heard him say afterwards he was going 
to join every secret order he could. 
What for? To be protected in his crimi- 
nal acts. Does a Christian need such 
an order? No. A man who lived in 
sight of a schoolhouse w^here I was teach- 
ing, in Alabama, went to his field where 
his neighbor cut a tree, which fell across 
this man's fence ; he deliberately went to 
his home, got his gun, and shot his neigh- 



bor like a brute ! Did the}' hang the 
murdei"? No. He belonged to a se- 
cret order. He was acquitted. We have 
so many times heard people say that they 
could not get the law enforced because so 
many criminals belong to secret orders. 
This does not suit a Christian. 

Some say, "The lodge is a good thing.'' 
li it is, why keep it secret? Some "love 
darkness rather than light, because their 
deeds are evil," says the Savior. * * '■' 

Elder J. R. Daily, in his book on se- 
cret orders, shows that Masons, Odd- 
Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen 
and others are religious secret orders, but 
Christless. He shows that Odd-Fellows 
would not dare associate the name of 
Jesus with God the Father. That would 
be contrary to their doctrine. So Odd- 
Fellow^ship is a w^orshipping or religious 
institution, but save us from its doctrine. 

They teach loyalty to their secret 
orders. Christless religion assures them 
to be blessed in life, de^th and eternity. 
Conditional, of course. Elder Daily, on 
page 17, says, "Just think of it! This 
secret order (Odd-Fellows) says, . 'Jew 
or Gentile, Catholic or Protestant, is. as 
such, welcome to our doors." (Page 27,^,, 
Odd-Fellows' Text Book.) "And in all 
its lodge rituals it will not allow Christ's 
name to be mentioned," yet holds that 
observance of this anti-Christian doctrine 
will save him without any Christ. Ekler 
Daily asks, "Can you. Christian church 
member, subscribe to this order of pagan 
religion, with its Christless ceremonies, 
prayers and lectures?" * * * Elder Dailv 
• (pages 22 and 23) shows that Masons 
and Odd-Fellows claim a transit at death 
from their lodges below to the "lodge 
above,"; so also the Knights of Pvthias 
claim a passage from their "castle here 
to the joys of the castle in the New Jeru- 
salem," as a recompense for service 
under their tri-colored banner. He shows 
[hem taking the Holy Bible and purposely 
leaving out the name of Jesus Christ to 
keep from offending those of their num- 
ber who do not believe in the God of the 
Bible, and then say that membership and 
service in their Knights of Pythias lodge 
is a passport into the presence of the One 
in whom many of them do not reallv be- 
lieve ! What consislencv ! 

Here is their prayer : "Supreme Ruler 
of the l^ni verse, we humblv beseech Thv 



112 



CHRJSTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



blessing upon the officers and members of 
this lodge. Aid us to avoid anger and 
dissension, help us to work together in 
the spirit of fraternity, and inspire us to 
exemplify the friendship of Damon and 
Pythias. Hear and answer us, we be- 
seech Thee: Amen." All: "Amen" (page 
2^). Xo Christ, nor prayer to imitate 
Christ. "The order is like all other se- 
cret orders in this respect. Whom does 
the petition pray that they imitate? 
Damon and Pythias ! Who were they ? 
They were two Pythagorean philoso- 
phers, — heathen philosophers. It is upon 
the friendship of these heathen philoso- 
phers that this secret order has been con- 
structed. It is a Christless, heathenish 
religion that is practiced by the order." 
The Ancient Order of United Workmen 
is a secret order, founded by John Jordan 
Upchurch, October 27th,^ i868. '^ * ^= 
This is also a religious order. Their 
prayer is Christless like all other secret- 
order prayers. Notice also that their 
prayer asks Almighty God to receive 
them at last as a lodge of Ancient Order 
of United Workmen ! 

There is a silly order known as 
the "Improved Order of Red Men." 
If this is ''improved," what must the 
unimproved thing be? We say silly, and 
we mean what we say. Being in the 
printing business, we have printed the 
constitution and by laws for some Red 
]\Ien lodges, and we have their com- 
plete revised ritual, adopted by the Great 
Council of the United States. We have 
Robinson's "One Hundred Reasons Why 
I am a Red Man." This is a religious 
order. Prayer is offered by the Sachem : 
"Oh, Thou Great Spirit ! We acknowl- 
ed.ee Thy wisdom and goodness toward 
the Red Men of our Tribe. We ask Thee 
to watch over us during the slumbers of 
the night, and succor the distressed, feed 
the hungry, clothe the poor. Do Thou, 
Great Spirit, impress upon each Red 
Man's heart to bear patiently the lot as- 
signed him on earth, so that, when he is 
called from the hunting grounds of his 
fathers, he may meet the shaft of death 
with unwavering courage, and feel as- 
sured that Thou wilt sustain him through 
the dark valley of the shadow of death. 
Hear us, O Great Spirit!" Response bv 
the brothers: "Hear us, O Great Spirit!" 

We come next to the Modern Wood- 



men of America. It is very modern in- 
deed, and scarcely less silly than the 
Order of Red Men ! Joseph Cullen Root 
wrote its first ritual in 1882. * * * "With 
much pomp and silly ceremonies and 
threatenings of murder, the candidates 
for admission to the degrees of the 
'Beneficiary' and 'Fraternal' pass as 
members of these degrees. The candi- 
date for admission to the Fraternal de- 
gree must ride the 'camp goat,' while the 
neighbors all sing, to the tune of 'March- 
ing Through Georgia,' 'Keep the logs 
a-rolling, boys, and pile them high and 
dry/ etc. He is then put to the task of 
sawing a tough stick of wood in two min- 
utes. Later on his hoodwink is removed 
and he is tied by a band of supposed 
enemies of the order to a moving rack 
that draws him slowly to a revolving 
saw, when, just as he is nearing the saw 
and ready to give it all up for his life, 
he is rescued by supposed friends and is 
congratulated for his fidelity to his 
obligations, showing himself willing to 
die rather than give the secrets of the 
order away. The odes and hymns and 
funeral rites of this order show it to be 
a kind of religious institution, as well as 
a mystic playhouse for the sporting class. 
But some say, Tt's only a mutual insur- 
ance society !' But why should a mutual 
insurance company have all this con- 
nected with it?" If one wants insurance 
why join such an idolatrous society? 
How could any Primitive Baptist prefer 
such to the fellowship of his brethren?" 

"Few who are well informed on the 
subject will deny that the Masonic frat- 
ernity is directly or indirectly the parent 
organization of all secret societies, good, 
bad, and indifferent." — Cyclopedia of 
Fraternities. 

"The Modern Woodmen of America 
has its female auxiliary, known as 'The 
Royal Neighbors of America.' Prayers 
are offered, hymns are sung, and there is 
considerable scripture reading in the 
lodge meetings. This lodge has also a 
funeral rite that is quite elaborate, giv- 
ing every one dying as a member the 
hope of a happy immortality in heaven." 

"Having shown that secret societies 
are religious orders, we now propose to 
show that the principles of their religion 
are absolutely false, and that it is not 
only out of harmony with the Christian 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



113 



religion, but that it is antagonistic to it. 
Lodge religion is Deism. Any religion 
that leaves Christ out of its system is 
Deism. The Christ of the Bible is ignored 
by the orders and left out of their 
prayers and ceremonies. Readings are 
chosen in the Masonic ritual that do not 
contain the name of Jesus. Whosoever 
enters a T^Iasonic ludge must leave the 
Savior at the door, as well as his wife 
and children." Christian brother, how 
can you endure the religion of an order, 
a secret order, an oath-bound order, 
which fellowships the Jew, the Moham- 
iiedan, the heathen. Christian and 
Hindoo ? These institutions ignore Jesus 
Christ in order to have the fellowship of 
His enemies. What is proved to be the 
religion of Freemasonry can be proved 
to be the rehgion of Odd-Fellowship. See 
Donaldson's Odd-Follows Text Book 
(page 155). Christ is omitted in the 
Odd-Fehows' prayers, in order that 
Christians, Jews, Mohammedans, and 
all other religions may unite in those 
prayers. 

We love the dear old church and all of 
God's precious children, and since God's 
church is separate from the world and 
her only hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ, 
we beg all children of God everywhere 
to come out of those anti-Christian so- 
cieties and unite with the dear old church 
and let us dwell together in peace. and 
love. 

True Old Baptists will not fellowship 
those societies. If any love those world- 
ly societies better than the church, he has 
no business in the church. We feel sure 
if all our ministry would in love con- 
demn those Christless societies, and show 
the necessity of our people standing to- 
gether against every unscriptural prac- 
tice in order to glorify God and preserve 
unity, the dear children of God would 
gladly sever their connection with such 
societies. Can any afford to sell their 
birthright in the dear old Primitive Bap- 
tist Church for a m?.ss of pottage? I do 
not know a church nor minister of ours 
in the South that would fellowship those 
societies. We cannot walk together ex- 
cept we are agreed. Ha member be- 
lieves in Christ, how can he unite with 
an oath-bound society that ignores Him ? 
Is not the Christ of the Bible your only 
hope? Is not the only undefiled church 



enough. Why marry into another church 
(lodge) and become a spiritual adult- 
erer ? 

Are you not a traitor to Christ when 
you join an institution that ignores Him? 
Are you not a traitor to your government 
to unite with societies which conceal 
crimes and where you must protect your 
brother in crime ? Who gave secret order 
lodges the right to murder members who 
reveal their secrets ? 

I write this solely for the benefit of the 
cause of my blessed Master and for the 
love of the dear saints, but with no de- 
sire to offend those who are with the 
Drders. These are some of our reasons 
vvhy we cannot fellowship lodge men in 
the Primitive Baptist church. 



THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 
The Place of Rev. Dr. Dillon in Its History. 

Degolia, Pa., July 5, 1920. 
Dear Brother Phillips : 

For upwards of 45 years I have been 
edified as each issue of the "Cynosure" 
has been handed me. 

In the current issue (July) I think that 
while the Memorial Committee did jus- 
tice to our late brother, Wm. Dillon, D. 
D., a misconception concerning the 
church he cherished, and whose princi- 
ples he defended, was held by it. 

Rev. Dr. Dillon was not a founder of 
the Church of the United Brethren in 
Christ. The church, as you individually 
know% was founded near the middle of 
the i8th century. The term ''radical" 
is a law court term given for its own 
convenience, but it stuck. 

A true statement would be : ''The late 
Rev. Dr. Dillon was an able leader in the 
Church of the United Brethren in Christ, 
under the constitution of 1841." All 
church deeds, properly drawn, so describe 
the church. The high law courts had no 
difficulty in finding the constitution to be 
a valid instrument, the pleadings of the 
liberals to the contrary notwithstanding. 
Honorable W. PI. AMlliams. chief justice 
of Pennsylvania Supreme Court (also 
Deputy Grand Master of Pennsylvania, 
1893) heard, and handed down an opin- 
ion in the ("irecncastle suit : See Supreme 
Court Reports, 1893. He said: "The so- 
ciety was a unit prior to 1889." ''The 
Constitution was formulated and adopted 
in 1841." "The Constitution has been re- 



114 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



garded and accepted as the fundamental 
law of the society for half a century." 

Dr. Dillon was a defender of the rights 
of, not "one of the founders of the 
Church of the United Brethren in 
Christ." 

\Mth hest wishes, 

J. C. Young. 



CONGREGATIONS DUTY TO LODGE 
MEMBERS. 

BY B. M. HOLT, BARNESVILLE, MINN. 

I shall never forget the warning words 
of Prof. Th. Graebner some years ago, 



of religion is the religion of the lodge, 
since Jews and Turks and Unitarians and 
other unbelievers all kneel together at 
the same altar? *To this I answer, most, 
emphatically, that the religion of the 
lodge is not the Christian religion, but is 
a man-made, naturalistic and sophistical 
religion, and its god is the god of this 
world. 

If you are a member of a Christian 
congregation, please make the necessary 
investigation and provide yourself with 
the proofs for what I have said. Y^ou 
owe this to yourself as well as your fel- 




THE NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, BALBOA HEIGHTS, CANAL ZONE. 



when he concluded his letter: "If we do 
not renew our efforts in our fight against 
the lodge wt may live to see it in control 
of the Lutheran Church !" 

If we want to be consistent in our 
church discipline, no person should plead 
ignorance or be ignorant in regard to the 
lodge system and its heathen plan of 
salvation. 

Xot even a lodge person will deny that 
lodges are founded on religion (the 
Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood 
of men). This religious faith required 
by the lodge puts it in a class with the 
church, and upon examinations of its 
claims the state grants the lodge a char- 
ter (and exempts it from taxes). 

The question then arises ; ^'What sort 



low-worshipers and to your congrega- 
tion. As a Bible student you owe your 
church the study of affairs that make or 
unmake a congregation of God's people. 
And this duty is one that you cannot 
shove onto your pastor. 

It is true that the lodge question 
presents a complex problem ; it is also 
true that we are ourselves to blame for 
this. Some of us are afraid of trouble 
or personal enemies, while others fear 
the loss of congregational members or 
contributions ; and as a rule we have our- 
selves to thank for the lodge representa- 
tion in our (Lutheran) church today. 
This should not be so. The lodge people 
have absolutely no business in our 
church. They should either be out of the 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



115 



lodge or out of the church. They cannot 
be both for and against Christ. They 
cannot serve both God and the devil. 

Certainly, if you knew that the lodge 
(all lodges) is founded on a religion in 
which the name of Christ is purposely 
ignored, and that the lodge uses any 
heathen writings such as the V^edas, 
Zendavista and Koran in equal authority 
with the revealed Word of God, then 
you would not be slow in declaring war 
on the lodge, would you? It is your 
business to know this, and provide your- 
self with such material as will make you 
able to assist your church in its battles ; 
otherwise you are a poor church soldier. 
What shall we do with the lodge peo- 
ple in our church ? The Bible solves the 
problem for us. Vv^e must treat them 
kindly and considerately. We must in- 
struct them carefully as to the tremen- 
dous antagonisms between Christ and the 
lodge. With sincere and Christlike pa- 
tience we must strive to liberate them 
from their bonds, ever remembering that 
they have been deluded by the prince of 
darkness. 

What shall we do with lodge people 
that apply for membership in our 
church? They must be treated much the 
same way. They, too, must be taught to 
understand the great difiference between 
faith which comprehends that which 
Christ has purchased for us on the cross, 
and the mockery and blasphemy of the 
lodge. It is very true that w^e must use 
every possible Christian means in our 
process of instruction, and it is also true 
that if these people refuse to be instruct- 
ed they are judged, not by us, but by the 
Word of God, which clearly forbids us 
to fellowship all such as cause divisions 
and doctrines contrary to God's will. 

Xothing must induce us to shrink from 
our duty in show^ing the lodge people 
wherein they are wrong, and herein we 
have no other choice than that we stand 
firmly on Scripture until our friends in 
the lodge have officially separated them- 
selves from all lodge connection. If we 
yield to the lodge in this respect we thus 
defend and shield the lodge iniquities and 
become jointly guilty with unbelievers in 
their evil and ungodly deeds. And in so 
doing our Church has no claim to the 
guidance of the Light of the world ; nor 
has it any guarantee how long the Lord 



will wait before He removes His candle- 
stick from our midst and suffer us to 
grope in the dark! 

You may say: "We are all sinners. 
We all have need of the Lord's Supper 
as an answer for forgiveness. In this 
we should give the lodge people equal 
rights with ourselves." :\Iy friend, your 
conditions are admirable. But you carry 
your charity too far. It is true that we 
are unlike the lodge people in sins of 
weakness. And in so far as sins of 
weakness are concerned, upon their con- 
fession of such, we grant them forgive- 
ness, full and free. But we must under- 
stand that positive idolatry and false doc- 
trine are not sins of weakness. A person 
that knowingly and willingly partakes in 
the afifairs of the lodge after he has been 
instructed in its evils, and lends his 
name, money, influence and all he other- 
wise has (even his own Church if he 
could) to promote a system of religion 
that is purely heathenish — a system de- 
signed by the devil in his wily scheme 
to overthrow God's church — must never 
be said to be a person sinning in weak- 
ness ! Such a person has a heart of 
stone, and is weak only in his head — re- 
fusing to abide by the plain truth of 
God's Word. There may be cases when 
lodge persons (others, too) actually are 
so simple of mind and void of compre- 
hension that they cannot understand the 
falsehoods in the lodge plan of salvation, 
even though they have been properly in- 
structed. But, then we must also ad- 
mit that such a person is totally unfit for 
the communion table, not discerning the 
Lord's body. 

It is our solemn duty to warn all peo- 
ple who are affiliated with religious, se- 
cret and oath-bound lodges of their dan- 
ger, otherwise we are held responsible 
for their damnation. But this does not 
go to say that when we ha\e repeatedly 
warned them, we are to accept them as 
brethren in Christ even though they can- 
not see any particular wrong in the lodge. 
We warn a blind man of dangers ahead: 
he refuses to listen because he sees no 
danger. Does that remove the danger? 
Likewise we know many a lodge person 
who refuses warning because they see no 
danger in their blinded condition, and 
often they laugh us to scorn when we 
ask them to compare their lodge plan 



116 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



of salvation with that of God's plan. As 
a rule, lodge people do not know what 
their lodge teaches; they do not want to 
know ; as a rule, also, if we strictly point 
out to them the difiference between Christ 
and the lodge they get on their high heels 
and tell us : "^ly lodge is a good enough 
church for me. You keep your church 
and I'll keep my lodge." This is the aver- 
age person as we find them, a pitiable lot 
indeed, yet dangerous. 

Our church must demand a confession 
of sin and a simultaneous confession of 
faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Any 
congregation that does not comply with 
this demand offends against God's Word. 
And by allowing lodge persons to come 
into our church, or by allowing those al- 
ready there to remain without instruct- 
ing them, we become joint partakers of 
the sins of the lodge, and confirm to the 
world that there is nothing so dreadfully 
wrong in the lodge after all. 

Let us also remember that if our pa- 
tient instruction in the Word of God 
does not bring a lodge person to the 
knowledge of their false religion and a 
repentance thereof, then there can be no 
hope of doing this after he finds out that 
we have yielded to him and denied our 
own faith ! Once a lodge person is in a 
congregation it is hard to get him out, 
and his falsehoods and heresies spread 
like wild fire — a leaven that makes sour 
the whole lump. Such conditions cer- 
tainly offend the Spirit and retard all 
God-pleasing growth of a congregation. 

The congregation must show its God- 
given authority to discipline whenever its 
membership is threatened. What man- 
ner of discipHne would you call it, if you 
please, if we take into our congregations 
all sorts of people regardless of what 
they believe or do not believe? To give 
the Lord's Supper to a lodge person that 
refuses to be instructed in the evils of 
his lodge is causing that person to drink 
damnation unto himself. Woe to every 
pastor guilty of this terrible deed ! Woe 
to every congregation that stands by and 
permits this crime ! 

Whenever a lodge person then (by 
the grace of God), through painstaking 
and thorough instruction of the Church 
of God, has come to a living realization 
of the anti-Christian principles and 
teachings of the lodges, that person is 



at once, after renouncing his lodge con- 
nection, to receive membership in our 
(Lutheran) Church. This is the one and 
only procedure in conformity of the Mas- 
ter's Word, and may He grant us that 
His will be done. 



ONE DECISIVE REASON WHY THE 

CATHOLIC CHURCH OBJECTS 

TO FREEMASONRY. 

Published by the Catholic Book Ex- 
change, New York. 

Happily, Protestants and Catholics 
are in accord respecting the most funda- 
mental doctrine of the Christian religion. 
Both believe that Jesus Christ is the only 
Mediator of redemption between God 
and man, and that it is through Him 
alone that the gifts, graces and blessings 
of God are bestowed upon men. It is 
in His name that all Christians, Protest- 
ants and Catholics, alike, pray to God for 
the things they desire. Their prayers 
end in some form of words by which 
they express this reliance upon His mer- 
its and mediation. Protestants close 
theirs with the words "for Christ's sake" 
or with some equivalent expression. 

Now, suppose that some one should 
say to a Christian, a sincere follower of 
Christ: "All this reference to Christ in 
your prayers is unnecessary; it is all a 
mistake about men's prayers not being 
answered unless they are offered in His 
name; God will not answer the prayers 
of a sincere Christian any more readily 
than He will those of a man who believes 
that Jesus was an imposter." 

^You would be shocked at such lan- 
guage, and probably think it most 
blasphemous. You would say: "Never 
will I believe such a thing, for that would 
be to destroy the very foundation-stone 
of Christianity, and to take away the 
whole ground of Christian faith and 
hope. It would be to offer to our divine 
Redeemer the greatest possible indignity, 
by virtually saying that all His suffer- 
mgs were either wholly useless or of no 
avail whatever. I, for one, will never 
consent thus to deny and dishonor Him. 
Before heaven and earth, always and 
everywhere, I will proclaim my belief 
that it is only through the merits of 
Jesus Christ that God answers prayer. 
Never will I join with any association 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



117 



of men in putting Christ aside and re- 
fusing to pray in His name." 

Well, as long as that is your feeling, 
you will never become a Freemason. For, 
as we shall see, ^lasonry repudiates the 
doctrine of the mediation of Christ, and 
that is one very cogent reason why the 
Catholic church condemns Masonry. 
Perhaps you will say at once : "You 
must be mistaken on that point, for are 
not many ministers of the gospel and 
many professed Christians members of 
^lasonic lodges? Surely such good men 
would not join any society that repudi- 
ated the intercession of Jesus Christ." 

Now, that would be an unanswerable 
argument against the position of the 
Catholic church if she asserted that 
Alasons are forbidden by their laws to 
believe in Christ at all. But she does 
not say that, for it is not true. What 
she does say, and it is the indisputable 
truth, is that according to the teaching of 
Masonry it is a matter of indifference 
whether men believe in Christ or not. It 
is true enough that it allows its votaries 
to believe in the necessity of praying in 
His name, when they pray in their 
churches or at their homes. 

But Masonry forbids its Christian mem- 
bers to bring their faith in Christ into the 
lodge. 

It demands that they shall leave it at 
the door, and shall ignore it until they 
come out again. That is the point. That 
is the church's objection — that Masonry 
thus demands that there shall be one 
place, at least, where nothing shall ever 
be heard of Christ, of trust in His merit 
or prayers in His name, in such religious 
exercises as are held there. 

And you must admit that she is right, 
unless you take back what you said just 
now. For to this demand she makes the 
same reply that you willingly allowed me 
to put into your month a little while ago. 
She says, as you did: 'T will never con- 
sent to it ; there is no place on earth, not 
even a Masonic lodge, where I will agree 
that Jesus shall be ignored and placed in 
the background. In obedience to my 
teaching, my children proclaim to the 
whole world their reliance upon the med- 
iation of Christ to obtain an answer to 
their prayers. Therefore I will not suf- 
fer them to deny their Lord by uniting in 
prayers from which His name is re- 
quired to be wholly excluded." 



Do you ask what authority I have for 
saying that ]\Iasons exclude Christ from 
their prayers? I have the authority of 
the A'irginia Text-Book, containing a 
digest of the laws of the Grand Lodge of 
Virginia, by John Dove. It gives va- 
rious forms of Masonic prayers. They 
all end, without exception, with the 
words, "So mote it be." In not one of 
them is there the remotest reference to 
any need of the mediation of Christ to 
obtain an answer to prayer. 

This omission is intentional, for it is 
expressly said that the chaplain is re- 
quired to use the forms given in the 
book, in order to "avoid sectarianism." 
That is to say, ]^Iasonry looks upon 
Christians merely as a religious sect who 
stand upon the same footing as Budd- 
hists or Alohammedans, and who have, 
therefore, no more right to introduce 
their belief in Christ into a lodge than 
the latter have to introduce their belief 
in Buddha or Mohammed. It requires 
the Masonic Christian to take an utterly 
inconsistent and contradictory position. 
For outside of the lodge he proclaims his 
belief that God answers prayers only 
through the merits and in the^ name of 
Christ; but inside of it he denies his 
Redeemer by joining in prayers with 
Jews and infidels, in which the name of 
Christ is forbidden to be mentioned at 
all. 

The text-book I have cited tells us 
that Freemasons profess only "the uni- 
versal religion." What is that religion? 
It is certainly not Christianity, for it is 
willingly embraced by thousands of Jews, 
who look upon Christ as an imposter, and 
by thousands who, though not Jews, be- 
lieve His doctrines to be false and super- 
stitious. It is a religion which requires 
only "belief in God as the Supreme 
Architect and Governor of the L^ni- 
verse." Therefore any man can be a 
good AI a s o n except the downright 
atheist, who denies the existence of God 
altogether. There are multitudes of men 
who believe that God created and con- 
trols all things. l)ut who utterly repudiate 
Christianity. 

Shun the Gross Errors of Bigotry. 

In fact. Masonry teaches that Chris- 
tianity is mere]}- bigotry and supersti- 
tion. It may not say as much outright, 
but that is, manifestlv and to all intents. 



118 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



its real belief concerning religion. For, 
according- to the digest referred to, it is 
the duty of the ]\Iason to "shun the gross 
errors of bigotry and superstition." 
and to hold only to "the essentials of 
religion in which all men agree." But 
inasmuch as [Masonry forbids any refer- 
ence to Christ in the lodge, it thereby 
proves that it does not consider belief in 
the divinity, in the atoning death, and in 
the mediation of Christ an essential of 
true religion at all. As all the world 
knows, it retains as Alasons in good 
standing men who utterly repudiate these 



in a word, in objecting to the members 
joining with Masons in their religious 
exercises the Catholic church simply car- 
ries out faithfully and consistently the 
idea expressed in that stirring old Prot- 
estant hymn : 

All hail the power of Jesus' name, 
And crown Him Lord of ALL. 

She has no objection to the benevolent 
work that may be done by the Masonic 
order. But she is too zealous for the 
honor and glory of the one Divine M'edia- 
tor between God and man to allow her 
members, in religious worship anywhere. 




A STREET IX OLD PAXAMA. THESE STREETS ARE FROM EIGHT TO THIRTY FEET IX WIDTH. 



essential teachings of the Christian faith. 
How can any sincere disciple of the 
Lord Jesus Christ join with such men 
in their religious worship in their lodges ? 
How can we say amen to the prayers of 
the infidel and of the Jew ? The Catho- 
lic church declares that no consistent 
Christian can knowingly and willingly 
do so. She rightly looks upon it as deny- 
ing Christ out of deference to the wishes 
and views and unbelief of His enemies. 
She warns her children to remember His 
words : ''If any man deny me before men, 
him will I deny before the face of my 
Father." She tells them that He spoke 
of those who should deny Him anywhere, 
before any man or any society of men. 



to join in prayers with the Mohammedan, 
the Jew, or the infidel, who repudiate 
faith in His mediation as "bigotry and 
superstition." 



LABOR UNIONS. 

DR. G. A. PEGRAM, MASON CITY. IOWA. 

All good people want the laboring man 
to have his just dues and a fair wage 
for his work. Most people have worked 
at manual labor at some time or other, 
and everybody except snobs regards labor 
as honorable. 

The laboring man of the last century 
did not get his just dues nor nearly what 
he earned. In those days men worked 
faithfully and were paid poorly. They 



August, 1920. 



CHRIS'J'IAN CYNOSURE 



119 



were frequently oppressed by their em- 
ployers, and robbed of their rights as 
well as of their wages. They were often 
treated with about as much courtesy and 
respect as slaves. They were exploited 
for personal profit, and then efforts were 
made to euchre them out of what wages 
they did receive. 

But now the tide has turned. While 
some employers are still oppressing their 
workmen with long hours and poor pay, 
many employees, on the other hand, are 
now trying to do just as little as they 
can, and at the same time get all they 
can for it. Labor is thus making a serious 
mistake, not so much in exacting the 
promise and pay of large wages, but on 
insisting that laborers do just as little as 
possible for their wages. This conduct 
is making it just as hard for themselves 
as it is for other people. No one denies 
the right of labor to organize, but the 
public objects to the laborers becoming 
an organized, senseless, conscienceless, 
bloodthirsty mob, using violence against 
their employers, their fellow laborers, 
or the public, if any or all happen to 
differ with them. 

In this country people believe in free 
speech and in a free conscience as well, 
which means that every man has the 
privilege of doing as he honestly thinks 
best, so long as he does not injure anyone 
else. But organized labor often wants 
to become conscience to everyone 
else. This conscience is not really con- 
science, but prejudice. God wants men 
to do as they think He wants them to do. 
and not as some men — not even good 
men, much less bad men — w^ant them to 
do. No man has a right to usurp author- 
ity over any other man, if normal, sane 
and moral. No tyrant is so tyrannical as 
one who binds another man's conscience. 

Labor unions seem to be waking up to 
the fact that they have been making a 
mistake m the past, and in some in- 
stances seem to be trying to be fair, abide 
by their contracts, and restrain their 
members from mob violence. They show 
a willingness to discuss affairs and sub- 
mit to arbitration instead of simply mak- 
ing demands of their employers. With 
the same spirit on the part of emplovers, 
it ought not to take long to settle most 
of the problems which perplex the rela- 
tions of Capital and Labor. 



On the other hand, some of the unions 
are still following a course of unreason- 
ing injustice and mob tyranny. This 
causes some to leave them, and still 
others to stay out who would like to join, 
not only for the benefits of union and 
organization, but also to be with and 
support their fellow laborers. Their lead- 
ers ought to lay the foundation of public 
confidence by their conduct. But instead, 
they purposely follow a course which is 
sadly destroying public confidence and 
repelling public sympathy. ]\luch of their 
cause is just, and it ought not to be han- 
dled so as to give the appearance of 
injustice. Alanual labor is too important 
and too sacred to have to live under such 
a clotid. Once this is corrected, the pub- 
lic will take notice, and revive its sym- 
pathy and confidence. 

Personally, my sympathies have always 
been with laboring men. But frequently 
my observations of their organized move- 
ments have been such that my sym- 
pathies have been more or less repelled. 
Only a few days ago more than one la- 
boring man was telling me that labor 
unions would be all right if they were 
run right, but that they are not run 
right. This shows that many of the 
laboring men of the present day recog- 
nize and deplore the fact that the unions 
are not properly conducted. Neither 
men out of the unions nor the good men 
in the unions object to them as such, but 
they do object to the manner of their 
organization and the way they are con 
ducted. 

Personal Experiences. 

T have had some recent experiences 
with the teamsters' unions. Housing 
conditions have been such that it has 
been difficult to rent a house other than 
subject to sale. In the last three years 
we haxQ moved more than should be 
necessary, and in nearly every instance 
the teamsters failed to do the fair thing. 
They loitered, killed time, shirked their 
work, delayed getting goods to depot in 
time (so as to compel storage and an 
extra trip), drove by -devious routes 
through town (to extend the time), re- 
fused to pay for goods lost, broken or 
stolen, etc. A couple of recent instances 
will suffice. At one time after loading 
the goods, I showed the men how to 
(h'ive out of the vard and across the 



120 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



gutter. Disregarding my advice, they got 
stalled, floundered, made weak efforts, 
and hnally sent for another team to pull 
them out. All of this would have been 
unnecessary if they had done as directed. 
But they were charging by the hour and 
their time was going on. About an hour 
after they left I started for the depot to 
arrange for the billing and shipping. 
^^l-len a few blocks from the depot I met 
one of the men coming up to ask me 
something about unloading the goods, as 
if they had never done such a thing be- 
fore. We lived about a mile from the 
depot and they must have killed alto- 
gether nearly two hours' time. 

At their destination another crew 
wanted to leave the goods on the side- 
walk, and not put them in the house. 
They said if they were not working by 
the hour the law would permit them to 
leave the load on the sidewalk. While I 
was busy in another part of the house, 
the lady of the house said they would 
stand and discuss, and pretend to be 
quarreling about how to do their work, 
as for instance, whether to turn the hall 
tree around, or set it to one side, so they 
could get some of the larger pieces of 
furniture in. She told them just to set 
it to one side, that it could be moved 
back very easily. They did so and 
laughed among themselves about killing 
ten or fifteen minutes' time. 

On another occasion I helped load 
everything, as it was Saturday, and I 
wanted to get settled enough to live over 
Sunday. Nothing more was to be done 
but to tie the load and drive on. I 
went ahead to make arrangements to 
save time. It took them two hours and 
ten minutes to drive about a mile and a 
half, most of which was either level or 
down hill. When they arrived at the 
destination they came from the opposite 
direction, and made the excuse that they 
had to send for help as their team could 
not pull the load. This was not true for 
the load was lighter than any before.- 
Neighbors told me that after I left: they 
went to a nearby store, got a lunch, then 
smoked a while, then rested in the shade 
a while longer, and did not start to work 
for about an hour and a half. 

The next teamsters could not be hur- 
ried. If you hurried them one way they 
would manage to lose it another. If I 



were downstairs they went upstairs, and 
would stand and discuss whether to 
take this or that. We told them to take 
any of it which was ready, as it was all 
to go, and that we were in a hurry to 
get it to the depot before closing. Just 
before closing time they got in a hurry, 
finished loading, rushed to the depot, 
only to find that it had been closed for 
ten or fifteen minutes. They had wasted 
nearly an hour in all. That is an old 
trick, making you late so as to compel 
storage, another trip and more pay. 

Now these are typical instances show- 
ing that union men are trying to rob the 
public, and are using nearly every avail- 
able method to do it. This destroys re- 
spect for and confidence in labor unions. 
If all laboring men would say, as a few 
do, that they intend to do good, faithful 
work, and then that they expect fair 
wages therefor, they would win the re- 
spect and confidence of the public, and 
would lessen the chasm between theni 
and the employers. Then if the. employ- 
ers would say they wanted their men to 
do good, faithful work, and they would 
pay their workmen good, fair wages, 
many of the differences between Capital 
and Labor would be settled. But under 
present procedure the strained relations 
become worse. Things would be very 
different if both sides could be persuaded 
to observe the Golden Rule of the Bible, 
and not the golden rule of Wall street. 
If they insist upon sowing to the wind, 
they must not be surprised nor disap- 
pointed if they reap the whirlwind. 



Thursday morning some 2,000,000 pas- 
sengers were seriously affected by a 
street car strike in Chicago that tied up 
transportation without warning. We are 
informed that disaffected strikers num- 
bered 350. They demanded the discharge 
of non-union men in two shops, and the 
future employment of only union men 
As to pay, linemen demanded $10 per 
day — refusing to work for $9. Sub-sta- 
tion men demanded $210 to $225 pei 
month, refusing $190 to $200. 

Read the above in the light of Dr. G. 
A. Pegram's article in this number, and 
pray that the civil powers may find some 
way for adequately punishing men serv- 
ing the public for the great and causeless 
injury clone it. 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAX CYXOSURE 



.21 



IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. 
By Rev. Cornelius AIarixg, Otlev, I.\. 
Tlie Apostle Paul when writing to the 
Colossians admonishes them : "W'hatso- 
e\er ye do in word or deed, do all in the 
name of the Lord Jesus." He desires 
that everything that the Christian may 
do or say, shall be according to the will 
of Jesus, because Jesus is his Lord and 
^faster. 

Jesus is Lord of the Christian in a 
special sense. He is not simply the 
Christian's Lord as creator of the world, 
or because all power has been given unto 
Him both in heaven and on earth, but 
primarily because He has purchased and 
redeemed him. As sinners we were all 
servants of sin and under the power of 
the Devil. But Christ delivered us from 
the bondage of sin and from the do- 
minion of Satan. This redemption was 
a purchase. His death was the price by 
which He purchased us. \\q were re- 
deemed not with corruptible things, as 
silver and gold, but with the precious 
blood of Christ. 

As Christians also we have yielded 
ourselves to Him and in faith have ac- 
cepted Him as our Lord. Therefore the 
Apostle says : "Know ye not that ye are 
not your own but ye are bought with a 
price?" Thus through redemption, which 
was a purchase, we have become wholly 
in the possession of Jesus our Lord. 
And therefore we may not do our -will 
nor the will of any other, save of our 
Lord Jesus. This is what the Apostle 
means when he says : "Whatsoever ye 
do in word or deed, do all in the name 
of the Lord Jesus." 

There Is Another Master. 

There is another master beside the 
Lord Jesus — his adversary, the Devil, 
who is called the prince of this world. 
Jesus came to destroy the works of the 
Devil, and by His divine power we are 
delivered from the bondage of sin and 
from the dominion of the Devil, and 
therefore Jesus is our ^Master — His will 
our law. 

But the Devil tries very hard and in 
many ways to get us under his authority 
again. C3ne of them is to bring Christ- 
ians under the yoke of secret oath-bound 
orders. 

Perhaps some may think this to be a 
strong statement. Still it is not too 



strong. Would any Christian lodge mem- 
ber dare to maintain in his lodge that 
Jesus is Lord? In many the very name 
of Jesus may not.be mentioned there. 
The chaplain of the lodge may not pray 
in His name, Jews are told that as the 
name of Christ is never mentioned in 
the Masonic lodge they need have no 
scruples about joining. ^Masonry, the 
mother of lod-ge orders, is a religion, but 
it is a false religion in which so-called 
Christians worship with infidels. Jews. 
]\lohammedans and Buddhists, the lodge 
idol, called God. In ^Masonic lodges the 
Bible is read, but passages are selected 
which do not contain the name of Jesus 
Christ or when portions are used in 
which the name of Jesus is found, as in 
2d Thess. : 3:6-16 and I Peter 2:5, His 
name is stricken out. 

Lodges also deliberately trample the 
commands of Jesus underfoot. Jesus 
commands us to let our light shine before 
men. Jesus himself spake openly and 
He desires His followers to walk openly. 
It is very evident that Jesus is not 
recognized as Lord by the lodge. Rather 
he is either ignorant or opposed. If a 
person or institution does not honor Him 
as Lord, the Devil. Christ's adversary, 
is then the master. 

But the Lord Jesus Is the Christian's 
Master. 
He as Saviour has redeemed him from 
all the terrible consequences of sin. he 
loves his Lord, and enjoys doing His 
will. How can he then be a member of a 
society where Jesus as Saviour is set 
aside, and the great fact of sin is ignored 
and where one is given to understand that 
if he lives up to the precepts of the lodge. 
he will go to heaven ^ Thus it is the idea 
is spread that there is salvation outside 
of the redemption of Jesus Christ. The 
deadliest enemy of the church is the re- 
ligious order. ]\Iany consider the lodge 
religion good enough for them ; and if 
they are members of churches their in- 
terest in them declines in the degree that 
they are interested in lodges. 

And what need has the Christian of 
a secret order? Being the servant of 
Jesus, he is the servant of the Lord of 
Glory, the King of kings, who has re- 
ceived all power in heaven and on earth. 
Christ, who is all-sufficient, satisfies him 
completely. The Christian has no reason 



122 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



tc join the lodge And if he has l:)een 
prevailed upon to become a member, he 
has no excuse to remain such, because 
Jesus his Lord is not acknowledged and 
worshipped. 

Jesus is the Christian's Lord. He is 
the Lord of all. His almighty power pro- 
tects His own. Many are the enemies of 
those who dedicate themselves unto His 
service, but their enemies are His. Soon 
all His enemies will be made His foot- 
stool. And though they rage against His 
own and Him, they cannot do more than 
the Lord Jesus permits. And they that 
are called to suffer with Him shall also 
reign with Him. 



ROYAL HIGHLANDERS READJUST 

At a special session of the Royal 
Highlanders on October zy, the society 
readjusted its rates, to go into effect the 
first of the new year. Two years ago 
the Highlanders readjusted, but did not 
rerate old members, and as a result the 
old class has drawn in benefits almost 
half a million dollars more than it has 
paid in. This deficit is caused by only 
6.5 per cent of the entire membership. 
The Royal Highlanders were organized 
in 1896 and has about 30,000 members. 



BOOKS RECEIVED. 

W'e have received from The Way 
Press, St. Paul, Minn., for review, "Mod- 
ern Theosophy, Whence? What? With- 
er?" by Mersene Elon Sloan; from John 
J. Snyder, Kansas City, Mo., a booklet 
that has much in it concerning the Ne- 
phite Record ; and from the Mennonite 
Book Concern, Berne, Ind., a history of 
the origin and development of the Men- 
nonite Church in Europe and America. 
'The Mennonites" table of contents indi- 
cates the worth and importance of this 
work of 340 pages. 



I see, by the Conservator, your an- 
nual convention is next week. How I 
wish I could be there. Am still so sor- 
ry I disappointed you last year, but I 
think the loss was on my side ; but since 
Mr. Durham went to Heaven I have 
had to pull hard ; God is wonderfully 
good to me though and keeps me busy. 
The dear Lord willing. I am going to 



pla)i to come next year, and if I do that 
I will not set a date for meetings to 
hinder me getting there. 

I throw a bomb into the enemy's camp 
every revival I am in, preaching on 
"Humbugs" and bringing in lodgism 
along with other isms that substitute for 
the Blood of Christ. 

God bless and give you a grand, good, 
successful convention. 

In Christian love, 
Mrs. M. a. Durham, Evangelist. 



Mtm of (But WBovk 



CONTRIBUTIONS. 

For Cynosure to reading rooms and 
for samples to ministers and public lead- 
ers : Dr. G. A. Pegram, $2 ; Rev. C. G. 
Fait, $2 ; Louis Joh, $5 ; M. W. Siemiller 
and sisters, $10; Mrs. P. T. W^oodward, 
50c; a friend (Kansas), $25. 

For endowment of Christian Cyno- 
si'Re: J. C. Young, $5 ; a friend (Ohio), 
$10. 

For a new edition of tracts: Charles 
L. Todd, $25. (The first 30,000 will be 
oft" the press by August ist at a cost of 
about $200.) 

A partial payment on a life member- 
ship in the National Christian Associa- 
tion has also been received. 

There has been received for current 
expenses during the past month from 
Rev. A. G. Dornheim, $5; Rev. S. L. 
Livingston, of Honolulu, $1 ; F. O. Sib- 
ley and brother, $50; O. N. Carnahan, 
$3.25; Charles C. Nash, $1.05; W. I. 
Phillips, v$i5; Rev. Fred T. Stevenson, 
$2; Mrs. P. T. Woodward, $2; Wm. 
Leon Brown, $5 ; Mrs. Ella Crooks, $2 ; 
L. Hacault, $1; Harry Vander Linden, 
$2.50; Mrs. H. B. Hastings, $5; Chris- 
tian Reformed Churches, FrankHn St., 
Grand Rapids, Mich., $24.39; Rochester, 
N. Y., $12.54. 

Thanking you, one and all, on behalf 

of the A^ssociation, for the above, and in 

advance for your continued co-operation 

and prayers, I am, as ever, your servant, 

Wm. I. Phillips, Treasurer. 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



123 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER." 

Dear Cynosure : I am still on the light- 
ing line, and since I 'last wrote have been 
in Kansas City, Kansas ; St. Louis, Mo. , 
Brinkley, Ark. ; Texarkana and \\a.r- 
shall, Tex., and Shreveport, La. 

After leaving Oakland, California, we 
stopped one evening in Colorado Springs, 
where we had a good meeting and left 
the same night for Kansas City, Kansas, 
for a state meeting. I had a few rituals 
left and one night while taking the offer- 
ing I sent a sister out in the congrega- 
tion to sell them, as I was busy at the 
time. She soon brought back the rituals 
and said, "Sister Roberson, the men back 
there are mad enough to kill you. They 
said that no intelligent people would give 
away the secret societies. One man 
talked to me as if he wanted to kill me." 
I laughed at her for being such a little 
coward, and said, "AH right, give me the 
rituals." 

On the following evening I went 
among the congregation and sold two of 
my books. I told the people, "One reason 
why I am here is to help you see the sin 
of the orders and especially the Masonic 
lodge." The men grumbled like a lot 
of bees in a hive. I got up just before 
Elder C. H. Mason was ready to preach 
and told what they had said to the sister 
and how they had scared her. The Lord 
;gave Elder Mason a message to the 
Masons and all the other secret order 
men. He took God's word and showed 
the awful sin of the Masonic lodges, the 
father of all the lodges. Elder Mason 
exposed the oaths and the penalties 
which they swear to, right in their faces, 
and held the congregation spell-bound. 

Those men never said a word, but a 
Masonic friend said that in one of their 
secret meetings they had planned to kill 
me. A Mason's wife told it to my assist- 
ant that is traveling with me, and she re- 
plied, "Don't tell Sister Roberson a word 
about what the Devil says through his 
agents, for she is used to it and is not 
afraid to die for the truth, so don't l)oth- 
er her about it." Whatever messages the 
devil sends to me, are not going to stop 
my telling this truth. My assistant did 
not tell me that they had talked about 
killing me until we got to iMilton, ^Ken- 
tucky. 

I praise God for letting us take a part 



of His suffering for this Gospel and for 
His name's sake. 

We stopped at St. Louis, where we 
gave the lodge another round. The peo- 
ple there held their peace. They looked 
at the rituals. One man said, "I was a 
32nd degree Mason and left the lodge 
because I saw it is nothing but idol 
worship." Many were saved and brought 
to the light. 

One night at Texarkana, while 1 was 
showing the sin of the Masonic lodge 
some threw rocks and struck the side of 
the building, but whoever they were they 
ran when some of the brothers went out 
to investigate. From here he went on to 
Shreveport, Louisiana to the State Holi- 
ness meeting. The church people said, 
"She is right : these lodges are sapping 
the life out of the church." I had a talk 
with, a Shriner who said to me, "Where 
did you learn so much? Aren't you 
afraid you will be arrested for selling 
those books?" I said, "Xo, sir, if I am 
arrested this matter will have to be car- 
ried to court and it will have to be proved 
there, and Masonrv cannot stand the 



light. 



We had no trouble at Shreveport but 
when we left there and came to [Marshall, 
Texas, I taught that the church must be 
separated from the world and when I be- 
gan to show the sin of the secret societies 
some of the Masons got together and 
made a plot to kill me and one of them 
came early in the morning to the house 
where I was stopping and told the lady 
we stopped with that they were going to 
kill me if I said anythmg more about 
their secrets. So the Lord gave me pow- 
er that night to say more about them 
than ever. I showed the penalties up to 
the Royal Arch degree, and from 2 Cor. 
6:14-18 proved that God is calling his 
church out of the worldly lodges. Then 
the next day the ^lasons went to the 
Chief officer of the town (because he was 
a high Mason) and asked him to permit 
them to beat me or run nic out of town. 
but he said "as long as she keeps in line 
with the P)ible she can go on with her 
meeting." 

The white people came out t*) hear us 
every night and I lectured six nights. 
They hcli)e(l me with offerings and 
told ni\- people that what 1 was teaching 
is the very thing we all need in this town. 



124 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



Three women gave up the lodge. One 
got up in the congregation and said, "My 
preacher told us the lodge was wrong, 
but T never saw the wickedness that is 
in it until Airs. Roberson had pulled the 
cover oft* of the thing and exposed the 
principle oi it and so I have come out 
today. God's Word says, 'Come out/ and 
I am out now." She w^as the treasurer 
of the lodge and she told them to come 
and get the money, which they did. We 
are stopping with her and she meant 
every word of it and thereby lost some 
of her friends. Some said, "Two men 
were killed here for exposing the Cath- 
olic church and the Masons will kill that 
woman," but I thank God He has saved 
my life. If I die I will die for the truth. 
Yours for Him who said "look unto 
]\Ie. and be. ye saved, all the ends of the 
earth : for I am God, and there is none 
else." 

Lizzie W. Roberson. 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard. 
In front of the Court House in Leb- 
anon, Pa., a sign with large letters an- 
nounces "Fraternal Order of Reindeer 
Lodge Now Forming." Then follows 
quite a notice of their invitation, and sup- 
posed benefits. For charter members the 
initiation fee is $5. Those joining later 
will be taxed $25 the sign says. All 
good male white citizens between the 
ages of sixteen and fifty-eight years are 
solicited. The sign states there is to be 
"no medical examination," but in another 
place states the "Examination fee" is two 
dollars. The monthly dues are to be sev- 
enty-five cents or $9.00 per annum. They 
pay $7 weekly in case of sickness, and 
those who die get $250. The social ad- 
vantages the sign says are "unexcelled." 
They will care for widows, and obtain 
employment for brothers, they say. They 
claim to have a charter from the state 
for this kind of business. As the an- 
nouncement indicates, they are another of 
the "cheap John" variety of lodges. Peo- 
ple whose judgment leads them into such 
association are not likely to have much 
saved when they die. Those who must 
care for their remains would likely ap- 
preciate any money they might get. But 
what about the "social advantages" or 
rather the soul advantages? They are 



finding many patrons, as things of this 
kind do. If Barnum were still here, he 
would likely continue to say "the Amer- 
ican people like to be humbugged." 

When in Detroit, Mich., a few days 
ago, the street car on which I was travel- 
ing was delayed for some time to allow 
marching colored men with white aprons 
and gloves to pass. Some had red feath- 
ers in their hats, others had blue feath- 
ers, swords and different kinds of para- 
phernalia were in evidence. Several 
blocks w^ere crowded with the paraders 
and their admirers. They tell me south- 
ern negroes are being brought to Detroit 
by train loads. Whole streets are given 
over to them. Like a lot of children play- 
ing circus, they were doubtless amusing 
themselves. One might think they were 
more to be pitied than blamed. Their 
conduct differed but little from those 
they sought to imitate. The Lutheran 
Convention, held for ten days in Detroit, 
was a great gathering of a great people. 
The Missouri Synod now has its com- 
munion over one million souls ; every one 
professedly opposed to secret societies. 
There were said to be over seven hun- 
dred delegates from all parts of the 
United States, Canada, South Amer- 
ica, etc., in attendance. It was not diffi- 
cult to gather some sixty new readers for 
the Cynosure in the short time that I 
could remain. Many great projects were 
naturally discussed and acted upon by 
the Synod. A million dollars were voted 
to the enlargement of school facilities. 
In the new constitution there was insert- 
ed a strong expression in opposition to 
the lodges. During the Sabbath spent in 
Detroit, I addressed congregations in the 
Christian Reformed and Second Free 
Methodist Churches. Rain lessened the 
evening attendance. A cheering interest 
was manifest. Our Christian Reformed 
friends voted a contribution of thirty 
dollars in aid of our work. 

On my return home after an absence 
of seven weeks I found the garden much 
like some city morals ."grown to weeds." 
I have blistered hands and something of 
tan in color, but garden conditions are 
imoroved. On the Fourth of July I gave 
what was called a "patriotic sermon" in 
the Presbyterian Falls Church, Virginia. 
The pastor was away dedicating a mis- 
sion church, and left his flock to my 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



125 



tender care. I certainly told them some 
things I thought the.y should know. After 
what seemed a very brief rest with loved 
ones at home I started for another trip 
in the field, arriving the same day in 
Lancaster County, Pa. I found the farm- 
ers gathering the wheat, and cultivating 
tobacco. Crops looked very promising. 
Potatoes are unusually large and good. 
An opening was found at Mechanics 
Grove, in churches of the Mennonites 
and Brethren where I had spoken in 
other years. New light was given many 
young people who expressed apprecia- 
tion. Elder Fosnacht, who had just re- 
turned from the Brethren Annual Meet- 
ing, told of one of their ministers by the 
name of Funk who met the lodge people 
of Wylie, Colo., in public discussion and 
broke up the lodges in that place. There 
is nothing more sure than the fact that 
lodges can not live in the light. Get the 
people enlightened ! The "Ground Hogs' 
Lodge" at Quarryville was thought to 
be in a declining condition. Visits at 
Lititz, Fruitville, Neffsville, and Leola, 
Lancaster County, brought encouraging 
results. 

At Brother Zobler's, Fruitville, I 
found his bees engaged in 'Ventilating 
their hives.'' By unitedly flapping their 
wings they would create a circulation of 
air that would make the honey the right 
temperature, I was told. I thought, Oh, 
if some of these lodge people only had 
the sense of these bees, their home keep- 
ing-would be better. D. N. Wenger, pres- 
ident of a large manufacturing concern 
at Bareville, Pa., showed me no little 
kindness in introducing me to those in 
his factory, who will hereafter read the 
Cynosure. Of course no factory can al- 
low a general canvass of men at work. 

I came to Ephrata, Wednesday, as last 
year. The regular program for the 
Church of the Brethren was sidetracked 
until the week following and your repre- 
sentative was again given the lead of 
the meeting, to the pleasure, and, I trust, 
profit of some. I write at the home of 
Brother King in Richland, Pa., while 
I expect to speak at "Midway Church" 
in the country, and in the afternoon 
speak to Zion's children in the Lebanon, 
Pennsylvania, church. Owing to the fact 
that many are exceedingly busy I may 
not get so many meetings during the 



week. Hope to get a hearing again in 
this Richland church and at other points 
near at hand. Like the bees I seek to 
o^ather while the sun shines. 



ITEMS FROM CORRESPONDENTS. 

A lady writes from Tacoma, Wash. : 
"I had that book 'Standard Freemasonry, 
Illustrated,' a few years ago, and it dis- 
appeared mysteriously, and I wish to 
obtain another copy of it. I assure you I 
will be more careful with what books I 
may get in the future, to see that they 
do not fall into the hands of any of the 
lodgemen." 



The president of the 1920 graduating 
class of the Moody Bible Institute, Her- 
bert M. Griffin, writes: "In behalf of 
the April, 1920, class of the Moody Bible 
Institute I wish to thank you for your 
kindness in presenting each member of 
the class with a copy of your June issue 
of the Cynosure containing the grad- 
uating address of our speaker, Mrs. Ro- 
wena Becker. I am sure each member 
of the class is grateful for this favor 
and ever more for the witness your paper 
contains to the truth. 

"Furthermore, we, the men of the 
class, thank you for the copies of 'Mod- 
ern Secret Societies,' by Dr. C. A. Blan- 
chard, presented by the National Chris- 
tian Association." 



A gentleman in ^Michigan wrote us re- 
cently, 'T have been thinking lately of 
becoming a member of a fraternal so- 
ciety, but while in Kalamazoo last Sun- 
day, was handed your tract 'The Lodge 
in the Light of the Scriptures.' I am 
now anxious to know more before I go 
further." 



Charles C. Nash of Three Rivers, 
Mich., who attended our convention on 
June loth, writes : "One of the impres- 
sions I received at the Convention was 
that the numbers opposed to secret so- 
cieties are very small, but I am also re- 
minded that the three Spartans 'held the 
pass' and held back a large army. 

"Here is another impression I received. 
God often depends on the small minority 
to work out His plans and that minority 



126 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



August, 1920. 



should never give up but be an irresist- 
ible force whose inevitable result in the 
end will be success. 

"I am praying for the Lord to take 
hold of the Bishops, General Superin- 
tendents and Ministry of our Methodist 
Episcopal Church and turn the light onto 
the secret empire so every one of them 
will 'come out from among them.' " 



OBSERVATIONS. 

Editor, Christian Cynosure : I have 
had a little experience with members and 
advocates of secret societies that has 
made me enthusiastic against them, be- 
cause of the harm I know they are doing. 
We now have so much information on 
their real character that no one need be 
long ignorant of what is going on behind 
their closed doors. 

• A few weeks ago I was in a men's 
Bible class and brought up the subject of 
secret societies, which, as usual, caused 
some opposition. The teacher said he 
was a member of the Masonic order him- 
self, but confessed that oaths were re- 
quired which no Christian should take. 

I have a friend who has been quite 
conspicuous as a Christian worker, but 
he is now so enthusiastic over the Mas- 
ons that his usefulness as a Christian 
worker has been awfully impaired. He 
is frank enough, however, to confess 
some of the evils that are in the lodge. 

I find the lodge the greatest hindrance 
to be met in personal Christian work. 
Many a man will give as an excuse for 
not living the Christian life, ''Oh, the 
lodge is good enough for me." 

A few years ago, I heard a conversa- 
tion on a street car. A man was describing 
to a woman how loyal the Masons were 
He mentioned a case in St. Louis of 
some one who had been a meml^er but 
had withdrawn from the lodge and had 
given away some of the secrets. He told 
the woman that this member was mur- 
dered as a result of his lack of loyalty. 

A few years ago the writer visited one 
of the leading churches in this city ex- 
pecting to remain for the evening service. 
I was early and found one of the ushers 
at the door. During a brief conversation 



I asked him if the pastor was a Mason. 
He said, ''Yes, he is a Mason." I replied 
that I would not stay as I did not care 
to hear a Mason preach. The preacher 
soon came in and the usher said to him, 
"This man says he does not want to 
hear a Mason prei ch tonight." This 
seemed to nettle the preacher, for he 
said, in a rather haughty manner, "I 
guess we can get along without him," 
and walked on. This preacher is report- 
ed never to have had large congrega- 
tions. In fact I know of no preacher 
who is affiliated with secret societies 
whose sermons are drawing men to 
Christ. 

Satan's Foeman, 
Kansas City, Mo. 



TESTIMONIALS a* 



*'Tn secret Have I said nothing." — 
Jesus of Nazareth. 

"Be not unequally yoked together 
v.'ith unbelievers." — Paul of Tarsus. 

"Blessed is the man that walketh not 
in the counsel of the ungodly." — David 
the Psalmist. 

"They are a great evil."— Wendell 
Phillips. 

"Come out from the lodge." — D wight 
L. Moody. 

"We know no government save our 
own." — Grand Lodge of Missouri. 

"By it Christ is dethroned and Satan 
exalted." — Rev. Edward Beecher, D. D. 

"I was completely converted from Ma- 
sonry to Christ." — Pres. C. G. Finney, 

"All secret, oath-bound political par- 
ties are dangerous to any nation." — Gen- 
eral U. S. Grant. 

"Their plan is to keep out any one 
who is likely to need anything." — Presi- 
dent C. A. Blanchard. 

"I have no sympathy with secret oath- 
bound societies." — Rev. W. G. Moore- 
head, D. D., Xenia, Ohio. 

"They incite a passion for trickery 
and wire-pulling." — Mrs. A. J. Gordon, 
President Boston W. C T. U. 

"Are dangerous to the general cause 
of liberty and are opposed to Christiar 
principles." — Joseph Cook of Boston. 



August, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



127 




MY NEIGHBOR. 



-^^^ 



She loved her Saviour, and to him 
Her costliest present brought ; 

To crown his head, or grace his name, 
No gift too rare she thought. 

So let the Saviour be adored, 

And rx)t the poor despised, 
Give to the hungry from your hoard, 

But all, give all to Christ. 



Go, clothe the naked, lead the blind, 

Give to the weary rest ; 
For sorrow's children comfort find, 

And help foi all dlstress'd ; 

But give to Christ alorTe thy heart, 
Thy faith, thy love supreme ; 

Then for his sake thine alms impart, 
And so give all to him. 



STANDARD WORKS 

ON 

SECRET SOCIETIES 

MODERN PROPHETS of BAAL 

OR 

WATCHMEN on ZION'S WALLS 

By President C. A. Blanchard. 

This is a tract especially intended for ministers. The term Baalism in referring to 
Masonry is used figuratively. *' If we say Lord to any one who is not God, then we 
are worshipers of Baal and if we, who are religious teachers, call any one Lord 
except the true God, then we are prophets of Baal.'* This tract, in addition to setting 
forth the real relation of Masonic ministers to a heathen system, also gives the reasons 
why Christian preachers become prophets of Baal. 

In the appendix there is a chapter on Masonic Theology, taken from Mackey's "Masonic 
Ritualist", the author being the well known Past General Grand High Priest of the General 
Grand Chapter of the United States. There is also A Word to Bible Students, by Dean 
J. M. Gray, D. D., of the Moody Bible Institute, and there is a page of Bible quotations 
which are important in this connection. 

Thirty-two pages; Single copies three cents, per hundred, $2.00 postpaid. 

Address 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago Ills. 



^ 



Knights of Columbus 

ILLUSTRATED 

A COMPLETE RITUAL AND HISTORY OF THE FIRST 
THREE DEGREES, INCLUDING ALL SECRET 
"WORK", FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY A FORMER 
MEMBER OF THE ORDER. 

This work gives the proper position of each officer during the 
meetings, the proper manner of conducting the business of 
the Knights of Columbus, order of opening and closing 
of the Lodge, dress of candidates, ceremony of initiation; giving 
the signs, grips, pass words, etc. Convenient pocket size. 

Paper Covers - - - $ .75 
Cloth - _ . _ 1.00 

National Christian Association 

850 W. Madison Street CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 





mmL 



VOL. LIII. 



CHICAGO, SEPTEMBER, 1920. 



Ni 




Modern Woodcraft. 

God at Mooseheart. 

Ku Klux Klan Spreading. 

Are Lodges Petering Out? 

Lodges Protest Paying Taxes. 

Our Present Day Attitude Toward 
the Lodge. 



OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAR 



u . 1 i i 



VOL. LIIl. No. 5 



CHICAGO 



SEPTEMBER, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

PMMItfied M»nthly by the National Chrlctian 
AaaoclatJen. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 



TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE— Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; singcle 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribe for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In such cases, if we are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not regru* 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wl 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should t>€ addressed to 
Wm. I. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 
Entered as Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 

|,t the Post Office at Chicago, lU., under Act of 

Bdarch 3, 1S79. 



CONTENTS 



Modern Woodcraft 131 

at Mooseheart. — The Kahlegram. . . . 132 

Ku Klux Klan Spreading 131 

Are Lodges Petering Out? — The Kahle- 
gram 132 

Lodges Protest Paying Taxes 133 

Would Prosecute Impostors — Chicago 
Masonic Chronicler 132 

Beg Pardon ! 133 

Lodge Taxes, by A. D. Cline 133 

Worships the Devil. — Brooklyn Eagle 133 

Watch-Night — The Great Commission 
Prayer League 134 

The Idolatry of the Elks. — The Lutheran 
li^itncss 135 

Masons Send Greetings. — Ohio State Jour- 
nal 13G 

A Snare to Avoid ' 136 

Secular Press. — The Valve World 136 

New York City Fraternities to Go. — Globe 

and Commercial Advertiser 138 

"Tarred and Leaved." — Grand Rapids Her- 
ald 138 

Illinois School Law Anti-Fraternity 138 

l[pU;of:o-^ Rites Were Fatal— Gnf 139 



ChickeiL Fry Flits. — Cleveland Plain 

Dealer 139 

Reformed Presbyterian Synod on Secret 

Societies 140 

Why Men Join the Lodge.— By B. M. Holt 142 
Some Timely Warnings from God's Word. 

— Manual of the Moody Church, Chicago 144 
Lodgism the Reverse of Christianity. — By 

Carwin Linder 144 

To Candidates for the Mission Field. — The 

Christian 146 

Our Present Dav Attitude Toward the 

Lodge.— By Rev. J. R. Graebner 146 

News of Our Work: 

Eastern Secretary's Report. — By Rev. 

W. B. Stoddard 151 

Contributions 151 

"Lizzie Woods' Letter" 153 

Southern Agent's Report. — By Rev. F. J. 

Davidson 155 

Letters from Our Friends 157 

Masonic Chart 158 

Song : Polar Star 159 



NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 

Vice-President, Rev. Wm. B. Rose, 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. I. 
Phillips. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

Walter Wietzke, A. W. Safford, G. W. 
Hylkema, Wm. P. Ferries, J. R. Shaf- 
fer, G. W. Bond, M. P. F. Doermann, 
A. H. Leaman, C. A. Blanchard, George 
Slager and Thos. C. McKnight. 

LECTURERS. 

Those desiring lectures or addresses 
may write to any of the speakers named 
below : 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 
Falls Church, Virginia 

Rev. Adam Murrman, Slatington, Pa. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 
Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24th 
St., Argenta, Ark. 

Pres. C. A. Blanchard, Wheaton, 111 



There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
aaved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesut answerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have I 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 



MODERN WOODCRAFT. 

We sometimes wonder if the Apostle 
James had a pre-vision of Modern Wood- 
craft when, in his epistle to "the twelve 
tribes which are scattered abroad," he 
wrote : "Pure religion and undefiled be- 
fore God and the Father is this : To 
visit the fatherless and the widows in 
their afifiiction and to keep himself un- 
spotted before the zvorld." 

Neighbors, isn't that the true gospel 
of Modern Woodcraft just in a nutshell? 
First, to look after the wants of the 
fatherless and the widows by relieving 
their financial distresses and then to see 
that we, ourselves, are decent, respecta- 
ble and useful citizens. — The Modern 
Woodman, August, 1920. 

We italicize a part of the above article 
of faith of the Modern Woodmen of 
America and call attention to their change 
of "from" to before which is a wresting 
of the holy text (Jas. i '.2y), and invites 
the judgment foretold in Rev. 22:19. 
To be kept unspotted from the world 
is vastly more than to be "decent, re- 
spectable and useful citizens," and hence 
their reason for changing that Scripture. 
How could a Christian keep himself un- 
spotted from the world and be obligated 
to a brotherhood wim its dances, and 
vaudeville plays, or to brother card play- 
ers and tellers of ofif-color stories? 



KU KLUX KLAN SPREADING 

THROUGH NORTHERN STATES 
Aims of Followers Same as When the In- 
visible Empire Ruled in Civil 
War Days. 
Actuated by the noble spirit and lofty 
principles that inspired the formation 
of the famous Ku Klux Klan in the dark 
days of reconstruction immediately fol- 
lowing the Civil War. a secret order 
has been revived and klans are being 
formed all over the country, according 
to Col. William J. Simmons, of Atlanta, 
Ga., imperial wizard of the Knights of 



of the Ku Klux Klan. Its membership 
now reaches into nineteen states, includ- 
ing many states north of the Mason 
and Dixon line. 

The modern Ku Klux Klan was or- 
ganized on Thanksgiving night, 191 5, 
when Col. Simmons and thirty-three of 
his friends assembled on the top of Stone 
mountain, near Atlanta, and there, at 
midnight, under a blazing fiery cross, 
they took the oath of allegiance to the 
invisible empire. Knights of the Ku Klux 
Klan. 

The charter was issued by the state 
of Georgia, December 4, 1915. Since 
the klan had among its charter members 
three of the original members of the 
old Ku Klux Klan, it was granted all 
the rights and privileges enjoyed by the 
original organization which swept the 
carpetbagger and scalawag from the 
South in the dark days following Lee's 
surrender, restored to the white people 
of the South their rightful position in 
the nation, suppressed the lawless ele- 
ments of both races, and then quietly 
disbanded by order of Gen. Forrest, 
its chief. — Grit, July 25, 1920. 

The Ku Klux Klan was a secret so- 
ciety of "regulators," organized at 
Pulsaki, Giles County, Tenn., in June, 
1866. The most detailed account of the 
origin, growth and disbandment of the 
klan was published in TJie Century Mag- 
azine in July, 1884. 

Governor Brownlow called the Ten- 
nessee Legislature together in September 
of 1868, when it passed an anti-Ku Klux 
Klan statute, designed to suppress the 
society, im})osing heavy fines and im- 
prisonment for mere membership in the 
(Irder, oiTcring a reward of relief from 
liability for members who would turn 
informers, and declaring association or 
connection with the Klan "infamous." 

About six months after ♦^he passage 
of the above mentioned statute suppress- 



132 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



ing the Ku Klux Klan, the head of the 
Order issued an official edict requiring 
its dissolution. 

How different are these historic facts 
from the claims of the new Klan as 
stated in the above extract from Grit. 



WOULD PROSECUTE IMPOSTORS. 

A bill has been introduced in the Wis- 
consin legislature aimed at a class of 
hold-up men who fraudulently claim 
membership in fraternal organizations, 
providing line and imprisonment for such. 
Illinois already has such a law, but like 
the \\'isconsin measure it does not go far 
enough. Neither is framed to include 
and bring to punishment the piratical 
herd of moral degenerates who form 
clandestine or bogus lodges and take 
money from innocent, confiding candi- 
dates upon whom they agree to confer 
the Alasonic degrees. 

Those who engage in this form of ras- 
cality ought to be in prison for obtaining 
money under false pretenses. 

Alen who without warrant wear the 
insignia of Masonry, or that of any other 
fraternal order, merely for what it may 
bring them in a social or business way, 
what has been well termed only" porch- 
climbers in comparison with the persons 
who establish fake lodges for the pur- 
pose of fleecing candidates by conferring 
spurious degrees upon them. Many vic- 
tims of these nefarious swindlers are un- 
aware of the fraud perpetrated until they 
find that no regular lodge will admit 
them within its doors. 

It is the duty of every Mason, every 
Lodge and every Masonic Grand Lodge 
to shield and preserve Masonry's good 
name and to aid in the apprehension and 
punishment of any who would defile our 
noble institution by operating under its 
name confidence games of any sort, par- 
ticularly those scoundrels who take 
money under false pretenses from in- 
nocent candidates. — Chicago Masonic 
Chronicler. 

Stop thief ! Selling secrets for from 
Sio to $75 that are no secrets and have 
been on the market for a hundred years 
seems brazen. That is what these gentle- 
men have been doing, who now cry : 
Prosecute Impostors ! 



Virtue and love ought to be sisters. 



GOD AT MOOSEHEART. 

On Sunday afternoon, June 20, 1920, 
in the presence of thousands, the officers 
of the Loyal Order of Moose dedicated 
at Mooseheart the ground upon which is 
to be erected a House of God. Taking 
part in the dedicatory services were a 
Protestant minister, a Catholic priest and 
a Jewish rabbi. What a refreshing ex- 
emplification of genuine fraternalism — 
and horse sense 1 

If the worship of the wonderful cre- 
ator of the world's governing principles 
of plain love and common sense could 
take the place of the ancient and dis- 
gusting fight over silly creeds, what a 
glorious God humanity would have ! That 
is the kind of a God that Mooseheart 
will have. — llie Kablegram. 

Enough said. 

ARE LODGES PETERING OUT? 

Has the introduction of the movies 
and other forms of amusement made all 
lodge meetings so tame that no one wants 
to attend lodge any more? Does his so- 
ciety mean as much to the joiner now as 
it did twenty years ago? 

It certainly does not, and just as sure 
as you are a foot high, the fraternals 
will have to hump as much to keep 
abreast of the times as do all other 
human institutions. They must adjust 
themselves to the times, for the old days 
will never come back. If they hope to 
get by without taking cognizance of 
changed conditions, they are as foolish 
as the manufacturers of buggies who 
hooted at the "preposterous" suggestion 
that the auto would displace their prod- 
uct. Now, count the buggies as they 
go by. • 

The hope of each fraternal society is 
a publication going free to every member 
and edited by not less than a $io,ooo-a- 
year literary man. It is a beggarly sal- 
ary for the service a good writer could 
render an endangered cause. Then, in- 
stead of going backward, it would go 
forward faster than ever before. It 
would have what it should have had in 
the very start. — The Kablegram, July- 
August, 1920. 

LOGICAL SUPPORT. 

"So if he runs for office he will have 
the support of all the fraternal orders?" 

"Yes, because he is the lodge-ical can- 
didate." 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



133 



BEG PARDON ! 

In the article, page 114, of the August, 
1920, Cynosure, Mr. Holt stated that 
the lodge is exempted from the payment 
of taxes. He writes that he should have 
said, that the lodges are exempted from 
personal property taxes. 

Mr. B. M. Holt sends us the follow- 
ing copied from Sec. 180, page no, 
Minnesota Insurance Laws, of October 
1st, 19 19, which states that fraternal 
beneficiary associations "are hereby de- 
clared to be charitable institutions, and 
the property held and used for lodge pur- 
poses and funds of such associations 
shall be exempt from taxation under the 
General Tax or Revenue Laws of this 
State, except that the real estate of such 
associations shall be taxable." 

Mr. Holt also states that while he 
was Secretary of Pierson Lodge No. 
169, A. F. & A. M., Barnesville, Minn., 
'T know positively we never paid one 
cent in taxes." 



LODGE TAXES. 

Pikeville, Ky., Aug. 8, 1920. 

Dear Brother Phillips : 

In regard to what B. M. Holt says 
about the states granting charters ex- 
em.pting Lodges from taxation, I can say 
I have had considerable experience in 
investigating along this line. 

Our City Assessor, who lists property 
for taxation, requested me to write to 
the Attorney General in regard to list- 
ting lodge property. The Attorney Gen- 
eral answered that Lodge property was 
taxable. He stated his reasons for so 
saying and cited a certain law which 
declares, as he said, that Lodges were 
not charitable institutions. The Board 
of Supervisors, who pass on the asses- 
sor's property listing, refused to go by 
the Attorney General's instructions and 
to this day the Lodges are erecting 
buildings on property under the name 
of the Lodge and receiving rental value 
from the same and are paying no taxes 
whatever. 

(Signed) A. D. Cline. 



Capitol at x\lbany, (N. Y.) on Wednes- 
day, March 7th, in opposition to the 
passing of a bill which zvould wipe from 
the statute hooks the lazu which exempts 
the property of fraternal societies from 
taxation/' 

It almost brings tears to the eyes to 
contemplate the struggles full of anguish 
through which the million and a half 
Odd-Fellows and the two million Masons 
have passed in order to "succeed in own- 
ing" their buildings and temples, etc. 

Deputy Grand Sire Judge H. V. Borst 
appeared on behalf of tiie Odd-Fellows 
and said if the proposed bill became 
effective, charitable efforts of the Odd- 
Fellows and other fraternal organiza- 
tions will be curtailed and "great hard- 
ship will be put upon many who, with 
the understanding they would receive 
benefits, if they needed assistance, joined 
these organizations." Past Grand Mas- 
ter Charles Smith of Oneonta, and Past 
Grand Master John A. Dutton, of Xew 
York City, appeared on behaif of the 
Masons, in opposition to the Bill. 

"Those who spoke in favor of the 
passage of the Bill were A. B. Wilcox 
of Buffalo, representing the Taxpayers' 
League of the City of New York." 

How utterly heartless for these tax- 
payers to attempt to have the lodges 
pay their share towards the support of 
the government, the same as other in- 
sm-ance concerns. Some one must have 
told the secret society members that the 
lodge buildings, temples, old folks' 
homes, sick benefits, and death insurance 
— so-called lodge charities — arc all in- 
cluded in the members' dues. 



LODGES PROTEST PAYING TAXES. 

"Prominent Odd- Fellows," says the 
/. O. O. F. Lodge Record, April, 1917, 
"and members of other fraternal so- 
cieties from various sections of the state 
were present at a hearing held in the 



WORSHIPS THE DEVIL. 
Race That Has "Strange Gods." 

"Tn Mesopotamia, thought to be the 
land \vhere the human race made its first 
appearance, where mandatories are now 
being built up on the wreck of old em- 
pires, there lives a race in this year of 
1920 whose worship is given, chiefly and 
frankly to the devil. 

"They are the Yezedi, a race of Arab 
and Khurdish origin, who dwell in the 
hills east of the Tigris. Tiiey are not 
Moslems, but 'believe in Christianity, 
Judaism and Islam. They believe that 
two great spirits rule the world. Jesus 
and the devil, and that each spirit is al- 
lowed to reign in turn, "ten times a thou- 



134 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



sand years," but that the devil is at 
the present time in supreme command. 
For that reason the Yezedis give him 
their, chief thought. 

"The Yezedis respect the cross, rever- 
ence the sun and the moon, and at dawn 
each day they kneel and kiss the spot 
where the rays of the sun first strike. The 
Yezedis believe in the Old and New Tes- 
taments though they interpret them dif- 
ferently from us. 

"They have sacred books of their own 
written by a Yezedi prophet, who said 
that a tribe of Adams and Eves were 
the mothers and fathers of mankind. 
Also, the Yezedis believe in the story of 
Noah and the ark, although they have a 
version of their own. 

"A sort of priest-king, with powers of 
Hfe and death, rules over the tribe, and 
his very word is law." — Brooklyn Eagle. 

What is devil or demon worship? 
Nothing at all but offering religious hom- 
age to some object in rivalry and antag- 
onism to the Triune God — Father, Son — 
Jesus Christ — and the Holy Spirit. If 
we say Lord, or Heavenly Father, to 
anyone who is not God we are worship- 
ers of the Devil. 

All Idolatry is devil worship. That 
offered around lodge altars no less than 
that offered by the Arab tribe "Yezedi." 
The Holy Spirit speaks in I Cor. 10:20 
saying that worship not offered to Jesus 
Christ is given to devils or demons. 



WATCH-NIGHT, 1920. 

"It is so easy to settle down on the 
level of mv inability instead of rising to 
lay hold of God's ability." 

Thus wrote J. H. Smeeton of Algiers, 
Africa, author of 'the "Once-a-Year" 
plan of Bible reading, in a recent per- 
sonal letter to the Great Commission 
Prayer League. 

Is not a large part of the Church of 
Jesus Christ settling down to the level 
of its human inability rather than ris- 
ing by God's grace to lay hold upon His 
all-conquering ability? 

The disciples might have argued that 
because there never had been a Pente- 
costal outpouring of the Spirit, there- 
fore it was unreasonable to expect that 
there ever would be. But they didn't 
thus argue. They believed God, and the 
promise was fulfilled. 

Because a thing hasn't been is no 



proof that will not be. IT WILL BE, 
IF IT IS ACCORDING TO GOD'S 
WILL, whether men believe it or not, 
says D. M. Panton in "Earth's Last 
Pentecost," basing his assertions on 
Scripture. 

"Pentecost was a partial, but not an 
exhaustive, nor even the main fulfillment 
of Joel. The downpour has come, yet 
it is still to come ... It is certain that 
we are rapidly approaching this world- 
wide downpour of the Spirit; for the 
very judgments which we see around 
warn us of the revival dated to arrive 
before the final scenes, and seem to inti- 
mate that we are in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of this immense movement of 
God the Holy Ghost. So, in linking up 
ourselves with myriads of Christians 
throughout the globe in praying for 
world-revival, world-evangelism and the 
world-return of our blessed Lord, we are 
praying for solid coming facts, and 
therefore zve knozv that we are praying 
according to the zvill of God." 
— The Great Commission Prayer 
League. 



THE IDOLATRY OF THE ELKS. 

The very first and highest moral law 
which God gave to man is this : "Thou 
shalt have no other gods before Me." 
This commandment He placed at the 
very head of all His commandments, and 
to this very commandment He joined 
that terrible threat : "I, the Lord, thy 
God, am a jealous God, visiting the in- 
iquity of the fathers upon the children 
unto the third and fourth generation of 
them that hate me." And to all those 
who obey this commandment He gave 
this precious promise: "Showing mercy 
unto thousands of them that love me and 
keep my commandments." The heathen 
in their ignorant blindness continually 
bring upon themselves the curse of God 
by their idolatry. But worse than this 
heathen idolatry is the blasphemous dar- 
ing of those who could know better; aye, 
many of whom have learned to know 
the truth, and all of whom live sur- 
rounded by those from whom they might 
learn the truth, and who yet participate in 
or themselves perform such idolatrous 
rites and ceremonies as are described in 
the following report of the Elks' "ritual- 
istic ceremony performed for members 
who died during the past year :" 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



13^ 



"In the midst of a solemn and im- 
pressive setting of trees at Elks' Rest 
in Bellefontaine cemetery, members of 
the St. Louis Lodge No. 9, B. P. O. 
Elks, held their 11 o'clock Mystic hour 
service last night to honor the memory 
of their departed brothers. About one 
thousand Elks and their families and 
friends attended the service, which 
opened shortly after 10 o'clock. The 
gates were opened at 10 o'clock, and the 
numbers who had been waiting there 
filed in and formed a procession, led 
by the Elks' Band and flower-laden 
members of the Elks. To the accom- 
paniment of miififled drum beats the pro- 
cession moved slowly to the Elks' Rest, 
where the ceremonies were to be held. 
Two large arc lights threw into relief 
the life-size elk figure which surmounts 
the burial plot of the lodge. The band 
played Chopin's Funeral March while 
participants in the cereniuny mounted 
the plot. Then followed the ritualistic 
memorial service. After the reading of 
Byrant's "Thanatopsis" and the ren- 
dering of various selections by the Elks' 
quartet, all joined in singing the Elks' 
ode. 

"The ode finished, lights were turned 
out, and the scene w^as lighted only by 
the moon shining through the trees. It 
was the mystic hour of 11 o'clock. A 
bell was sounded eleven times. 

''As the last solemn note sounded, 
Lawrence McDaniel, in a resonant voice, 
read the 1 1 o'clock prayer. It reads : 

"O spirit of this sacred hour ! So 
clarify our vision that we may look 
backward down the pathway of time, 
and behold, in the clear light of under- 
standing, the trials and vicissitudes of 
years gone by. 

'Teach us to appreciate the heart 
hunger and longing for companionship 
which inspired men, doomed by their 
profession to wander, to lay the founda- 
tion for the religion of sympathy and 
kindness we call Elkdom. 

"Help us to contemplate, with rever- 
ence and love, • the fidelity which gave 
our founders and their successors of 
days gone by courage to beat down bar- 
riers of prejudice and doubt, clearing 
the way for our order's present glory. 

"Keep alive the sublime truth that the 
Golden Rule is the foundation of our 



order today, as it was in the beginning, 
lest we forget that only while we re- 
main true to its precepts will our course 
be onward and upward. 

"Lead our thoughts out to those kept 
from this gathering by suffering and sor- 
row, that they may feel the healing sym- 
pathy of our common brotherhood ; en- 
ter the hearts of those who wander, and 
comfort them with the thoughts of the 
constancy of our love; rise upon the 
music of the bells which toll this hour 
unto the realm of eternity, so that our 
brothers gone, even amid the perfect 
peace they now enjoy, may know we are 
reading from the tablets of love and 
memory. 

"Remain with us always to recall at 
this hour those who wander, those who 
will come no more, and w4th hearts at- 
tuned to the melody of 'Auld Lang 
Syne,' may we ever, when eleven strokes 
proclaim the approaching end of day, 
pledge in the mellow wine of friendship 
the memory of our absent brothers." 

If any baptized Christian has been en- 
meshed by such an organization as the 
Elks, should he not shudder when he 
reads of these insults to his God and 
Savior? Certainly such a one should 
instantaneously repent of his folly and 
obey the call of the Good Shepherd 
who calls to His erring sheep : "Come 
out from among them and be ye separate, 
and touch not the unclean thing !'' — The 
Lutheran Witness. 



The Moody Bible Institute of Chi- 
cago graduated seventy students of the 
summer class from its Bible study, mis- 
sionary and gospel music courses at pub- 
lic exercises in the Institute Auditorium 
August 12, 1920. Rev. P. B. Fitzwater, 
D. D., of the Institute faculty, was the 
speaker of the evening. 

The graduating class represented 
thirty-seven states and three foreign 
countries. Twenty graduated from the 
missionary course. 

Since the last graduation exercises, 
April 22, 175 students have completed 
courses in the Correspondence Depart- 
ment. These students represent thirty- 
seven states and the following foreign 
countries : Canada. Mexico. England, 
South Africa, Guam. and China. There 



136 



CHRISTiAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



are now more than 6.000 active students 
enrolled in the Correspondence Depart- 
ment. 



MASONS SEND GREETINGS. 
Dayton, July 9, 1920. — A letter highly 
prized by the governor came from the 
Jefferson ^lasonic Lodge at Middletown, 
of which the governor is a member. It 
commented on the fact that the Middle- 
town Lodge has furnished Ohio two 
governors, Cox and Campbell, and con- 
cluded, "Xow our Jimmy has received the 
highest honors of the Democratic party 
and he is going to win." — Ohio State 
Journal. 



A SNARE TO AVOID. 

"It is a snare to a man rashly to 

utter holy words 
And, after vows, make inquiry." 

(Prov. 20:25, R. V.) 

It is not necessary to cite the degrees 
of more than one of the secret orders, 
to show that the candidate utters what 
is sacred and that he also utters it 
rashly. We give, however, three illus- 
trations. 

A Knight of Pythias says in his ob- 
ligation : "I solemnly promise . . . " 
This is continued paragraph after para- 
ghraph and closes with "so help me God 
and may He keep me steadfast." 

An Odd-Fellow in his obligation says : 
'M, in the presence of the brothers of the 
Order now assembled, do solemnly 
promise .... to the faithful per- 
formance of all which I pledge my sacred 
honor.'' This is repeated in the various 
degrees. 

The Mason is his obligation says: "I, 
. . . do ... most solemnly 
. . . swear." The paragraph begins 
with the "sacred" utternace 'T further- 
more promise and swear" while succeed- 
ing ones follow one after another with 
the connective and continuative word 
''furthermore." The final paragraph in- 
cludes the "sacred" utterance ''to all this 
I most solemnly . . . swear . . . 
so help me God." 

That the candidate in each of the above 
named orders rashly utters his sacre(/ 
promises is seen at once when it is con- 
sidered that he is uninstructed and re- 
peats after the lodge leader piecemeal, 
words, phrases, or clauses that come to 



him suddenly and without explanation. 
Elucidation of some parts of the obliga- 
tion seems obviously needed, yet it is 
only "after vows" that the uninformed 
victim already caught in the snare, can 
make the "inquiry." Could the condi- 
tion and the terms of the proverb above 
quoted be more precisely fulfilled? 



SECULAR PRESS. 
Grips and Passwords. 

(Editorial Note. — The Valve World is a 
trade publication, edited by Justin W. Mc- 
Eachern and published by the Crane Co., one 
of the greatest manufacturing corporations 
in the United States. The following para- 
graphs from its issue of March, 1920, contain 
as sane a statement of objections to the lodge 
as one can find in current literature.) 

Down in one of the Southern Cali- 
fornia cities the high school "frat" has 
become a problem. School authorities 
and parents — some parents at least — have 
been holding meetings and trying to de- 
vise ways and means to put these snob- 
bish, un-democratic, un-American, and 
wholly unnecessary secret organizations 
of youngsters completely out of business. 
One school principal said that the worst 
feature of the "frats" was the complete 
disregard of the members for law and 
order, their contemptuous objection to 
any sort of discipline, and last, but by 
no means least, a general and easy tend- 
ency toward immorality. As no one con- 
tradicted the gentleman, it may be as- 
sumed that he merely stated the case as 
it stands. And, this being so, I am won- 
dering why it should take longer than 
twenty-four hours to wipe out every 
high school fratenity in that city or in 
the whole state. 

As a broad general proposition secret 
organizations of any sort are opposed to 
the ideal of the brotherhood of man ; 
and, still speaking in a general way, they 
militate against the fullest development 
of individualism. No man can take an 
obligation (to a secret society), no mat- 
ter how lofty its purpose or how desir- 
able its intent, without to that extent lim- 
iting his freedom of thought and action. 

I always have been of the opinion that 
a citizen should undertake no obligation 
save that imposed by his citizenship, and 
doubtless this has had much to do with 
the fact that I never have been a "jiner." 
I know no passwords, and I practice no 
"grips." If I can't put my heart in my 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



137 



r 


B_i!^H 






^r^^*. -MiijpMn^^Blil^^ 



HOPI INDIAN PACKING FUR TRIP 
ING POST. 



TU TRAU- 



hand when I clasp the hand of another, 
then I don't want to shake hands at alL 
I never have been able to persuade my- 
self that a certain peculiar and secret 
twitching of certain muscles in my 
fingers, meeting with a similar switching 
in the lingers of another gave to that 
other a claim on m.y sympathies and ac- 
tions that I might deny in the absence 
of any muscular twitching. Neither have 
I leaned to the idea that the whispering 
of certain cabalistic words or phrases 
through the peep-hole of a door should 
grant me privileges and opportunities not 
open to the unfortunate fellow who did 
not possess the verbal secret. Perhaps 
this idea of secret fraternalism, this 
scheme of sorting out groups of men ac- 
cording to certain obligations, grips, and 
passw^ords, is not devoid of good ( ?) 
among men of full growth ; but I frankly 
hold that similar grouping among the 
boys and girls to whom we are trying 
to teach the principles of human brother- 
hood and genuine democracy cannot re- 
sult in anything but bad. The public 
school secret society is an abomination, 
pure and simple. It favors about every- 
thing that is opposed to the building up 
of good citizenship. It makes snobs. It 
inculcates "class." It stunts individual 
development. It discourages real manli- 
ness and womanliness. It is wholly re- 
pugnant to our institutions. It should be 
wiped out and kept out forever. If argu- 
ment and persuasion will not accomplish 
this much-to-be-desired result, then let 
it be remembered that the woodshed, the 
barrel stave, and the muscular paternal 



right arm still may be brought into ef- 
fective play. There is a touch in the well- 
applied barrel stave far transcending the 
touch of any "frat" grijj on earth. 



THANK YOU. 

The courtesy of the Atchison, Topeka 
(^ Santa Fe Railway Company enables us 
to present to our readers some fine views 
taken in the West of the Hopi Indians 
at work and a sunset scene at the Grand 
Canyon, National Park, etc. All of the 
cuts used in this number are loaned us 
by the Santa Fe Railway Company. 



NEW YORK CITY FRATERNITIES 
TO GO. 



Enforcement Delayed Six Years. 



Lodges of Masons, Odd-Fellows, Etc., in 
Schools Also Forbidden. 

High school fraternities must go ! 

The Board of Education said so by 
by-law enactment in the fall of 19 14. 
but the fraternities did not give up. 
Now there will be an effoit made to 
enforce the ban — next fall. A non- 
fraternity pledge prepared by the high 
school principals will then be exacted 
from members of school athletic teams. 

Some principals have barred frater- 
nity members from teams, while others 
who had barred them have raised the 
ban in view of the decision of the super- 
intendent to postpone action until the 
fall. 

The high school principals discussed 
the fraternity situation at a meeting on 
May I, but final action was not taken. 
A copy of the proposed pledge was sent 
to Superintendent Tildsley, who declared 
that he did not "believe it would be fair 
to the organized teams at this time to 
spring this pledge upon them and dis- 
rupt the teams in the middle of the base- 
ball season. 

"If the by-law in regard to secret so- 
cieties has not been strictly enforced 
heretofore the fault does not lie with the 
boys, but with some one else, and there- 
fore I do not believe they should pay the 
penalty. It would be wiser, therefore, to 
postpone the enactment of this pledge 
until September next, due warning being 
given to the boys beforehand. 

*AIv \'lymen in a recent letter to me 
maintains that the interpretation which 
refers to secret societies or others hav- 



138 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



ing no connection with the high schools 
is an obiter dictum and has no force 
whatever. I am incHned -to beHeve that 
his point is well taken. There is no 
doubt whatever that the Board of Educa- 
tion, when it passed the by-law, had in 
mind what are known as fraternities, that 
is, secret organizations with students 
meeting either, in the school building or 
out of the school building, composed in 
the whole or part of high school students 
and exercising an influence on the con- 
duct of student affairs in a school. I 
believe that if each principal should 
deal honestly with the situation in the 
light of the intent of the by-law, as I 
have stated it, that the difficulties would 
speedily vanish. There is no doubt that 
the Board of Education did not mean 
to forbid membership in church so- 
cieties, Odd-Fellows, Masons, Knights 
of Columbus or anything of the kind. 

''Any action by the high school prin- 
cipals at this time which would seem to 
the pupils oppressive would not accom- 
plish the object desired, but strengthen 
rather than discourage the fraternity in- 
fluence in our schools." 

Following is the by-law that was 
adopted September i6, 1914 : 

''No secret society, secret club, or 
secret organization shall be allowed in 
any high school. All meetings of any 
society, club, or organization in any high 
school shall be open to the principal or 
a teacher designated by the principal, 
or to any superintendent, or any member 
of the Board of Education. The con- 
stitution, by-laws and minutes of the 
proceedings of any society, club, or or- 
ganization in any high school shall be 
subject to the inspection of the 
principal, or of any superintendent 
or any member of the Board of Educa- 
tion. No pupil attending a high school 
shall join or obtain membership in any 
society, club, or organization making use 
of the school name, directly or indirectly, 
or purporting to be a school organiza- 
tion, which does not comply with the pro- 
visions of this subdivision. The commit- 
tee on high schools and training schools 
may provide appropriate penalties for 
violations of this by-law, which shall be 
enforced by the principals of the several 
schools." 

So the high school fraternities ofiicial- 
Iv are banned and officially the ban will 



not be enforced until next fall — six years 
after it was adopted. — Globe and Com- 
mercial Advertiser^ N. Y., May 17, 1920. 



"TARRED AND LEAVED." 
Nine Students Accused. 

West Orange, N. J., June 18, 1920. — 
Warrants charging assault and battery 
were issued today for nine members of 
the Beta Sigma fraternity of the West 
Orange high school, as a result of allega- 
tions of Dr. Howard Applegate, a den- 
tist of this city, that he was "tarred" and 
"leaved" in the woods near here Tues- 
day night during his "initiation." 

Dr. Applegate declared he was blind- 
folded, stripped, his body greased, tarred 
and covered with leaves, and that he was 
beaten in the face, that molasses was 
poured into his shoes and he was threat- 
ened with stoning if he moved. He said 
he remained in the woods for three hours 
and then made his way to a pharmacy 
here. — Grand Rapids Herald. 



ILLINOIS SCHOOL LAW ANTI-FRA- 
TERNITY. 

Educators universally condemn fra- 
ternities in our public schools, but money 
and influence seem to be behind these 
school lodges in a ceaseless effort to de- 
feat the efforts put forth to suppress 
them. 

The law enacted by the Illinois legis- 
lature last year has now been discovered 
by these lodge defenders to threaten Y. 
M. C. A., Camp Fire Girls, Boy Scouts 
and all religious societies for boys and 
girls. O ! Tempora ! O ! Mores ! ! Such 
a law is awful isn't it? But does the 
law endanger such associations? Read 
it. Mr. Wm. A. Bither, attorney for 
the Board of Education of Chicago, says 
that he is certain that the bill is aimed 
only at fraternities and sororities, yet 
it might be used to wreck every organ- 
ization of boys and girls, and he will 
not advise the Board to enforce it againsi 
school lodges. 

Investigation made in Chicago previous 
to the Illinois law of 1919 showed these 
school lodges to be unspeakably evil. 
What can be the motive for the School 
Board's position? 

Following is the act: 

"Section i. Be it enacted that a public 
school fraternity, sorority or society, as 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



139 



contemplated by this act, is hereby de- 
hned to be any organization composed 
wholly or in part of public school pupils 
which seeks to perpetuate itself by taking 
in additional members from the pupils 
enrolled in such schools on the basis of 
the decision of its membership rather 
than upon the choice of any pupil who 
is qualified by the rules of the school 
to fill the special aims of the organiza- 
tion. 

"Section 2. That any public school 
fraternity, sorority or secret society, as 
defined by section i, is hereby declared 
to be an organization inimical to the pub- 
lic good. 

Penalty Is Provided. 

"Section 3. That it shall be the duty 
of the school directors, boards of educa- 
tion, school inspectors and other corpor- 
ate authority, managing and controlling 
any of the public schools of this state, 
to suspend or expel from the school un- 
der their control any pupil of such school 
who shall be or remain a member of, or 
shall join or promise to join, or who shall 
become pledged to become a member of, 
or who shall solicit any other person to 
join, promise to join or be pledged to 
become a member of any such public 
school fraternity or sorority or secret 
society." 

A penalty of a fine from $25 to $100 
is provided for each violation of this 
statute. The University of Illinois and 
the state normal schools are declared ex- 
empt. 



INITIATION RITES WERE FATAL. 

Alfonso Quinonez, a special student 
from wSan Salvador, in the sugar school 
of the Louisiana State University at Ba- 
ton Rouge, is dead as a result of injur- 
ies received when he was burned with 
ether at the initiation ceremonies of a 
fraternity. 

According to the statement of students, 
part of this ceremony consisted of rub- 
bing a portion of the skin with ether. 
During this act the fumes became ig- 
nited, and Quinonez was burned so badly 
that he died soon after. — Grit, June 6, 
1920. 




HAVASUPAI INDIAN WOMEN. 

CHICKEN FRY FLITS. 
Reformatory Gets Skilled Fraternal Cook. 

"I've changed my mind and I want to 
change my plea," John Jefferson told 
Judge Dan B. Cull yesterday afternoon 
in criminal court. 

Judge Cull wrote in his calendar 'Tlea 
changed to guilty" and then looked in- 
quiringly at the prisoner. 

"It was this way, your honor," Jeflfer- 
son said. 

'T belong to a very fine fraternal 
order. By profession I'm a cook. My 
order decided to have an annual dinner, 
and they appointed me steward for the 
occasion. 

''They unanimously decided to have 
fried chicken for the piece of resistance 
— and they told me to get the chicken. 
Well, I got 'em. That's what Tm plead- 
ing guilty to now. 

"But the hard part, judge," said Jeffer- 
son sadly, "is that I had just got the 
chicken home safely and had started to 
lug them up to the scene of the banquet 
when a detective tapped me on the shoul- 
der and asked me where I got all the 
chickens." 

"They need cooks at the reformatory." 
Judge Cull remarked. "Try your hand 
down there for a while, Jeflferson." 

A number of lodge brothers of Jeffer- 
son were in court to testify to his char- 
acter, but inasmuch as no one was sum- 
moned by the defense they were not 
called. — Cleveland Plain Dealer. 



140 



HRISTIAX CYNOSURE 



September. 1920. 



REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD. 
Extract From Minutes of Ninety-First 
Session. 
The report on secret societies was sub- 
mitted and taken up item by item for 
adoption. The repon was adopted as a 
whole and is as follows : 

Report on Secret Societies. 

The secret society is an institution of 
ancient renown. Some think they tiour- 
ished before the flood. Antediluvian con- 
ditions in the days of Xoah. if not in 
the time of Enoch, were certainly not 
unfavorable for their development. 

Modern secret societies are proud to 
trace their origin to those most ancient : 
though it is strange that, in the light of 
history, they should be so. The ancient 
m\ steries are certainly unequivocally 
condemned in Scripture. Their abomina- 
tions are graphically, described in Ezekiel, 
chapter 8. In Ephesians fifth, their sac- 
rament is called the table of devils. In 
I Corinthians tenth. Christians are 
warned to have no fellowship with them. 
In Revelation, second chapter, the city to 
which the Babylonian mysteries had been 
removed is described as the place of 
Satan's seat. John i8 :20 shows that 
the life of Christ was a strong condemna- 
tion of the principle of secrecy. 

Secrecy is the very essence of heathen 
religions ; it has a prominent place in 
^lohammedanism, and probably in every 
false religion. It never formed a part of 
revealed religion, and wherever it has 
been countenanced in connection with it. 
it has led to apostacy. 

Among modem secret societies are 
Mcrmonism : the hierarchy of the papal 
church, with its brood of minor secret 
societies : as Tesuitrx'. Sinn Fein. Knights 
of Columbus and others, all subservient 
to its will. They are all characterized by 
craft, deceit, cruelty, a hatred of free 
speech, a free press, an open Bible 
and public education. They are in- 
tensely disloyal to all just goverment. 
Though they may camouflage their true 
character, they remain in heart un- 
changed. Like the leopard they cannot 
change their spots. 

There is also a large class of secret 
societies not affiliated with Rome : some 
of which profess to exist for worthy and 
commendable objects. The principle of 
secrecy, however, vitiates the best of 
them. 

Because we cannot mention them all 



we take Freemasonry as their repre- 
sentative. It -is generally so taken, and 
we think fairly. That it is fair is ap- 
parent from the fact that membership 
m anv of them involves an approval of 
the fundamental principle of ^lasonr}' ; 
it is a step towards ^Masonry : and tends 
to make men tolerant of ^^lasonry. They 
are so related to Freemasonry that if it 
shotild go down under public condemna- 
tion, they would all likewise perish. 

There is a logical connection between 
it and those even that seem the most re- 
mote. 2\Iormonism. for instance, abounds 
in internal evidence of having been or- 
ganized by Freemasons. And the high- 
est ]\Iasonic authorities, admit that Spec- 
ulati^'e ]\Iasonr\' owes its existence as an 
independent organization to the clergy of 
the Roman Catholic Church : especially 
the Jesuits : so that it has been called 
English Jesuitry. 

It was formed on the model of the 
Roman Empire. This accounts for its 
character and its titles. Also for its 
t;nion of civil and ecclesiastical functions. 
It was designed to be subservient to the 
papal hierarchy : but Providence had de- 
creed otherwise. Hence the mutual 
hatred. 

Its traditions are fabricated. They are 
both absurd and blasphemous. \Miile it 
is frequently affirmed that no one who 
has not been initiated into its mysteries 
can really know anything of Freemason- 
ry our sources of information are various 
and reliable. 

They claim that the ancient mysteries 
were the very antecedent self of ]\Iason- 
rv. and we know, from both sacred and 
profane history, what they vrere. Then 
we hear their popular lectures ; see their 
public demonstrations : hear the state- 
ments of converted men. whom love of 
Christ has constrained to abandon the 
lodge : read their own standard works : 
and last, but not least, we have access to 
professed exposures of ^lasonry. to the 
reliability of which the Lodge itself has 
set its bloody seal. 

Among the things we learn about it 
from these various sources is that it IS 
a religion or HAS a religion. That it 
is derived from heathenism : that it ex- 
alts its law and authority as paramount 
to that of the state. God's ordinance ; 
that it prostitutes the oath, approves 
murder, conceals crime,, represents vir- 



tue as cr .^ virtue 

ing the ia*v gi Lto,! ai n: ~ 
its traditioiL 

Some deceive then . 
ing its terrible cxathi r^ 
bear skin caps of grenadiers, : r 
give it a tierce aspect ou: 
with its true character: t . : - - : 
of authenticated M 
the wa V to this .: 7 t 

US to beUeve its b^rk is / : r 
its Wte. Here vre see Fr : 
lieinaLond:: Trr: ]1 
lated, after h^ :^ 

and Boaz." 7 rr^ - 7 - 7 
William :77 r 
as he is r :: _ - 
and h'- 7\: : r 

fron: -;- :r;. -: .: 1 ... 
Belfi- :/.-.:; 'r^^z-v 
the a-::i-z2--:: :.;_; ,^- 
was true: to which fact 



jtate would ste 
ilv 






:e the attairs 
W ould it be 



o r-^init^vit- fr« mtnrt itc OWH 



-.:.' '.:.-. :ry or 
. -1^. -;:iidren."' 
raten ro death. 



le 



der of V. 



a (ii^-ine 



explains 



\\ 



.ravia, N 



„c II IS CxcariV ii._.i: 
its refusal to re- 

•t:m- :; 7;r state. 

: 7 M: — iasan 

\ : /- ; -.vcver. it be 

.:'. :r!^ii. and 

: .7 : :/ -r insti- 



7 - ^eem^ 

-: :es. It 
7 :rr : Mas<:»nry. It 

/._. :..c ; r.:.::ylc of secrecy de- 
ever\- society* that adopts it. 



y 01 a i^ 
. .r::^c .: ^ _-ismess nr:::. 
.:s that it is nothing un- 
e^L a man to a::7"f " " - 
?. Bnt supposr 
-der to r 
_ .".ould i: 



7: socet}- IS an ageno.* weii adapted to 
: -J accomplishment of bad purposes. The 
Father of his countn.* was. while ahve. 

77 -'"7 ' ':; his fellow Masons as ver}- 
.r; :o the Lodge. By sccie he 
vwas clisscd as a seceding Mason. It is 
e^7deni. from his public utterances, that 
: -7 son for his attitude towards the 
_- _^r was due to his conviction that in 
it lay grave possibilities for t\-'A. He saw 
'hi: :: :'-.:7' loz^me a serious menace 
:: : ' - .^ "taL 

^7-77 ^ : -- — ::;^ lisciples of Christ 

:ls -• yi- 7 ' 1::. is Geti.rge Wash- 

ington was to hi- c<:.untr\-. we would be 

^^a-ei :hc hun-.ili'.ting sf»o:tacle of sec- 

._ 77 - :rof ess to know Him 

- -.7 "- -7 __■ '- That lighteth ever\- 

-_.:._ :r -7 "vorld. permitting 

./z~sc_v±s :i le -r^i 7ike blind men to 

:/.t do*jr of a Christless Icxlg*^. professing 

to seek for light, a sight, one would think. 

to make angels weep. 

It beo^mes more and more evident 
to every observing mind that the prin- 
ciple of secreo- is a potent factor in prc^ 
7 ■ r the cresent world-wide trouble 
\ ^ ..stress. Bur the future is bright 
i...r the church '' - ': Ids the seven 

stars in his rii;/ : . walks in the 

midst of the goldc: —rand foreto'd 

'he onditions ^hr__^-. hich we are 
rsiing: the long struggle between Hght 
- -ess. But in the same connec- 
uchsafed the promise that in 
: -'-Z time there should be light. 
. -...ret glow that casts a c-assing 
gloiy" over land and sea. but the Hght 01 
the morning of that glorious day that 
shall never wear to night. It is near. The 
- -- of secrecy is sealed. We. accord- 
his promise, look for a new heaven 

•1 3. new -:'"' -.-.--- t^elleth right- 

-isness 

So. 7 . y tr.c ,ii\-ine promises. 

•vr r' I'irst. That we reamrm 

msing opposition to secret 

Second — That we admonish aU pers^jns 



Third — That we respectfully suggest 



142 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



to the authorities of Geneva College the 
advisabihty of : 

1. Having frequent anti-secret lectures 

in that institution. 

2. Keeping the library and reading 
room well supplied with anti-secret 
literature. 

3. flaking an eftort to secure \he offer 
of a prize to be awarded every year 
for the best anti-secret essay. 

4. Being careful not to bestow any 
honorary title or degree, especially 

. the honored title of Doctor of Di- 
vinity, on any member of any se- 
cret society; particularly on any 
Freemason. 
Fourth — That we recommend the Na- 
tional Christian Association and 
their organ, the Christian Cynosure, 
to the liberality of our people. 

Fifth — That we urge our people to 
pray more earnestly for the overthrow 
of the secret system with its selfish fra- 
ternities and for the universal diffusion 
of gospel light : that men throughout the 
world "]\Iay brothers be for a' that." 

Minutes of the Synod of the Re- 
formed Presbyterian Church, June 
3 to 9, 1920. 

WHY MEN JOIN THE LODGE. 

BY B. M. HOLT. 

A Former Member and Secretary of Pierson 

Lodge No. 169, A. F. & A. M., 

Barnesville, Minn. 

Financial considerations blind great 
multitudes. ]\Iany professional and busi- 
ness men adopt Masonry because they 
actually believe that the lodge will bring 
them new customers and more business. 

The proselytism of Masonry is to be 
noted. No scheme to get new members 
is too technical for Masonry. Yet, when 
a man makes his appearance on the 
threshold of the lodge, he must openly 
confess before the lodge members that 
"he comes of his own free will and 
accord," and "unbiased by friends and 
unifluenced by mercenary motives." 

Curiosity works like a vacuum sweep- 
er. Masonic proselyters, \vhen soHcit- 
ing members, are very careful to leave 
the impression upon the people that there 
really are some great, important, and 
myssterious secrets to be communicated 
to them through the lodge. This claim, 
however, we find to be a perpetual 
falsehood, and all who try to find those 



secrets will be (as I was) forever dis- 
appointed. 

The magnificent temples, or the elab- 
orate and costly furnished lodge-rooms ; . 
the handsome regalia and beautiful 
paraphernalia that glitter on our streets 
when the lodge is in procession, are 
great drawing-cards. I remember well 
how I longed for the time when I could 
be arrayed in one of those shining uni- 
forms, and to have a right to enter those 
gorgeously furnished lodge halls. Lodge 
property, with 1,500,000 more or less 
able-bodied men back of it, thus becomes 
a tremendous power for gathering up 
new members. 

Those highly decorated and litho- 
graphed certificates of membership, 
signed by the lodge officers and sealed in 
gold with the lodge seal play a note- 
worthy part in making people inquisitive. 
These certificates are so designed as to 
represent every imaginable thing per- 
taining to heaven and a joyful hereafter, 
and when placed under glass in a beau- 
tiful frame hung up in the most con- 
spicuous place in a home — such a diploma 
does much to make the gazer feel sud- 
denly stricken with that "I-zvant-to-join' 
feeling. 

All those Masonic magazines which 
are so carefully spread among prospec- 
tive candidates are also great induce- 
ments. They mean as much to the lodge 
as our church-papers mean to our Chris- 
tian Church. Masonic literature in the 
form of books, magazines, papers, 
pamphlets, and tracts are being sowed 
broadcast throughout the whole world, 
and have, no doubt, led thousands into 
Masonic ranks, who, but for these pro- 
ductions, would never have thought of 
taking such a step. 

The churchlike burial services and 
elaborate funerals that Masonry con- 
ducts before the public popularizes the 
lodge. Many are led to believe the 
lodge-burials to be something like a 
Christian burial ; and worldly-minded, 
people in general are deceived into be- 
lieving that somehow the soul of a dead 
Mason will be all right in the hereafter. 
Frequently the lodge-ritual is read at the 
grave over unconverted and impenitent 
men by some Reformed minister. But 
such ministers. Scriptures tell us, are 
"blind leaders of the blind." 

There are also many young men that 



September. 192U. 



HRISTIAX CYNOSURE 



143 



join Masonry because they have criminal 
blood in their veins, and expect to be 
protected under all circumstances, and 
shielded through all crime. Conse- 
quently, in trials and examinations be- 
fore judicial and legislative tribunals. 
]\Iasonic oaths have, in repeated in- 
stances, proved to be stronger and more 
binding on a Mason than a lawful oath. 
Obedience to the civil magistrate, and 
being true to the civil government, as 
well as loyal to the country, is not nec- 
essary in order to retain Masonic fel- 
lowship or membership in a lodge of 
Freemasons : for in the Book of Consti- 
tutions we read that. **thou?h a brother 



The lodge-room is equipped with elab- 
orate furniture and fine carpets. The 
social atmosphere is pleasing, as the as^ 
semblage is composed largeh' of some of 
the m.ost popular and best peopJe of the- 
town. who have been wheedled to at- 
tend in order to advenise the lodge. 
Thus many a fine young man has been 
drawn into the muddy current of lodgery^ 

I was and. no doubt, many others are. 
induced to join ^lasonr}- by the "Good 
Men" argument. I rested upon the 
premises of well known and highly re- 
spected men. who had great influence 
in the community, and actualh were good 
authority on many things not pertaining 




HOPI CEREMONIAL 

be a rebel against the state, yet. if con- 
victed of no other crime, they cannot 
expel him from the lodge, and his re- 
lation to the lodge remains indefeasible." 
Masonic barbecues and social gather- 
ings, too, are a means of allurement of 
which very few outside of the lodge 
realize the original intent. ^lasonry is 
largely composed of business men who 
know the value of advertising, and thus 
we find in the social whirl of the lodge 
also that "advertising pays." The lodge 
plans a big "blow-out," and invites the 
Eastern Stars to furnish a sumptuous 
dinner. Special inducements are ex- 
tended to ministers, professors, and all 
men who rank high in society, to have 
them present at such occasions. The 
^lasons and Eastern Stars are requested 
to 'bring all their friends to spend a 
pleasant evening at the Masonic hall, 
and to partake of the delicacies pre- 
pared for the event. Many of the 
people present at such lodge-gatherings 
are young men who have ne^-er been in- 
iside a lodge-room before 



AT PUEBLO OF ORAIBL Qj . _ ' 

to our spiritual welfare. nJut we find 
that men of a worldly character are 
imperfect in moral insight, and are 
blinded by their own habits, and governed 
by their own feelings. They are grossly 
ignorant of the demoralizing effect of 
lodge principles upon our spiritual life. 
Xevertheless, when men like Tames A. 
Garfield. William McKinley. Theodore 
Roosevelt, and Hon. W. H. Taft will 
join Masonry to advance their own in- 
terests, such examples must naturally 
do much to induce others to "do like- 



The wise man doesn't try to make a 
lot of friends : he tries to keep a few. 



\\\ the world's a stage but the show 
would be a bigger hit if the stage hands 
would cut out so manv strikes. 



All egoists are blind, since they look 
onlv throuo^h their own "Fs.'* 



144 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



SOME TIMELY WARNINGS FROM 
GOD'S WORD. 

FROM "MANUAL OF THE MOODY CHURCH/' 
CHICAGO. 

In these days of worldliness among 
professing Christians, it is necessary that 
We call attention to the plain teaching of 
God's Vv'ord concerning worldly amuse- 
ments ri5Hi entangling alliances with un- 
believers. 
<3<a^.*s Word Demands a Separate Life. 

^'Be ye not unequally yoked together 
with unbelievers ; for what fellowship 
hath righteousness with unrighteousness 
and what communion hath light with 
darkness 

"And what concord hath Christ with 
Belial ? or what part hath he that believ= 
^eth with an infidel ? 

""And what agreement hath the temple 
of God with idols ? for ye are the temple 
of the living God;. as God hath said, I 
will dwell in them, and walk in them : 
and I will be their God, and they shall 
be my people. 

"Wherefore come out from among 
them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, 
and touch not the unclean thing; and I 
will receive you. 

"And I will be a Father unto you, and 
ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith 
the Lord Almighty. 

''Having therefore these promises, 
dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves 
tfrons all filthiness of the flesh and spir- 
it, perfecting holiness in the fear of 
God." (2 Cor. 6:14 to 7:1.) 

''It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to 
'drink wine, nor anything whereby thy 
brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is 
made weak." (Romans 14:21.) 

The above Scriptures plainly call upon 
the child of God to refrain from the car- 
nal pleasures of the world, and even 
from indulgence in any questionable 
practices which are so associated with 
vice and crime as to be harmful in their 
influence and a stumbling-block to the 
weak. Among these may be mentioned 
the theater, the card table, the dance, the 
use of intoxicating beverages, tobacco, 
narcotic drugs and membership in those 
oath-bound secret organizations which 
join one in fellowship with unbelievers. 

The foregoing Scripture from 2d Cor- 
inthians plainly teaches that Christians 
should not marry or have other entan- 
gling alliances with unbelievers. And 



the following Scripture prohibits divorce, 
except for one cause : 

"But I say unto you, That whosoever 
shall put away his wife, saving for the 
cause of fornification, causeth her to 
commit adultery ; and whosoever shall 
marry her that is divorced committeth 
adultery." (Matt. 5:32.) 



LODGISM THE REVERSE OW 
CHRISTiANITY. 

By CARWlN LiNDEt; 

After being in i^ohVersation With 
Masons and Othir secret ofd^r members, 
and reading books concerning them, I 
have been led to the conclusion that 
Masons do hot understand the teachings 
of Masonry, or else they intentionally 
deceive. One Mason says it is a re- 
legious institution while another says it 
is not, and they contradict their own 
statements v/hen trying to defend the 
order. 

When we accuse them of taking an 
unchristian oath, they say they take no 
oath, that it is only an obligation such 
as is taken in a church. Then on the 
other hand when we say that Masonry 
has been revealed by seceding Masons, 
they say : They are not worthy men and 
cannot be believed when they take the 
Masonic oath and then reveal it. Others 
claim that the Masonic oath has never 
been revealed. 

x\gain they assert that Masonry is 
founded on the Bible. If so, is it true 
it has never been revealed? If Masonry 
is found in the Bible, or is an interpre- 
tation of it, do not all Christians have 
equal privileges with Masons to know 
it ? Why should they conceal Biblical 
knowledge and ask God to assist them? 
Does God want his Word, or anything 
concerning it, concealed? If, indeed. 
Masonry interprets the Bible, then to 
conceal Masonic teaching would be to 
conceal God's Word. 

If Masonry is founded on the Bible, 
and vv^e all have Bibles, then why con- 
ceal it? Why spend money in the lodge 
to conceal what we spend money in the 
church to reveal? Who would promise 
to have his throat cut should he reveal 
what is founded on the Bible, as they 
say it is? If their secrets and works 
are in harmony with the Bible, why not 
bring them to the light? (John 3:19-21.) 

Christianity holds that to retain our- 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



145 



faith and gain the Master's highest com- 
mendation and fellowship, we must use 
our best efforts to ceveal, and spread 
the knowledge of the Bible and Chris- 
tianity. In other words, according to 
the teachings of the Gospel, it means 
spiritual dearth and unfruitfulness to 
fail to reveal the spiritual light of Chris- 
tianity. While on the other hand the 
p€'nalty of thg Mat^oilie oath threatens 
unnatural death, if one fails to conceal 
what they say is founded on the Bible, 
Then, what more is needed to prove that 
the spirit of Masonry is darkness? When 
God's searchlight is turned upon Mason- 
ry, its false pretenses vanish away like 
a vapor. It will not stand the light, for 
it is a work of darkness and can only 
exist in darkness. (Eph. 5:11-13) "God 
is light and in Him is no darkness at 
all." (T John 1:5.) But the Devil is 
the prince of darkness. To reveal is 
light. Christianity reveals its principles. 
To conceal is not light. Lodgism con- 
Ceah itg principles. Christianity is de- 
fended and promoted by open revelation 
and discussion. Lodgism is defended 
and promoted by oaths and obligations of 
secrecy. Christianity is open to inspec- 
tion to all humanity. Lodgism closes its 
doors and curtains its windows. Chris- 
tianity asks a thorough investigation of 
its principles and obligations 'oefore par- 
ticipation. Lodgism allows no investiga- 
tion of its oaths and ritual before par- 
ticipation. 

Christianity is more secure when more 
thoroughly revealed. Lodgism is more 
secure when most perfectly concealed. 
Christianity reveals truth. Lodgism 
conceals falsehood. Christianity is felt 
in the heart, and revealed- in the life. 
Lodgism sears the conscience and con- 
ceals its real life. Christianity is for all. 
Lodgism when it shall be participated in 
by all will exist no longer. Christianity 
renders charity to the poor and afflicted 
asking nothing in return. (Luke 6:32-36. 
Luke 12:12-14.) The Lodge takes care, 
by thorough examination and elimina- 
tion, that the applicants are not likely 
to become subjects for charity and only 
receive such as can pay in advance for 
their benefits. 

The Secret Society System is a great 
evil in our land. It is to be dreaded. It 
is injuring young men morally, physi- 
cally and spiritually by the hundreds. 



Yet preachers and Christian workers 
stand off and dare not warn them. News- 
papers dare not or will not warn them. 
Christians, is it .not time to be up and 
doing? Who of us has the courage of 
William Morgan ? 
— Converse, South Carolina. 



TO CANDIDATES FOR THE MISSION 
FIELD. 

The daughter of Dr. Arthur T. Pier- 
son, who laid down her life in the mis- 
sionary work in India, wrote her brother, 
a prospective missionary, the following 
weighty counsel : 

'T write WT^rds for you to ponder and 
pray over. 

'*Do not go to any foreign field until 
you know beyond a doubt that God Him- 
self sent you to that particular field at 
that particular time. If you marry any 
mission field in haste, you will repent at 
leisure. There is a romance or halo 
about being a missionary, which disap- 
pears when you get on the field. I assure 
you, 

"And, believe me, from the first min- 
ute you step upon shipboard upon your 
way to a foreign field, the devil and all 
his agents will attack, and entice, and 
ensnare you, or try to do all these, in 
order to defeat the purpose for which 
you cut loose and launched. Nothing 
but the fullness of the Ploly Spirit will 
carry any one through ; and i'f you do not 
know that you have recei\ed this, do not 
fail to obey the command to 'Tarrv un- 
til ye be enbued with power from on 
high.' 

"Believe me, the foreign field is al- 
ready full enough of prophets that have 
run, and He did not send them. Because 
of this, things are in a bad state in India, 
in the missions themselves. 

'Tf you know beyond a doubt — and 
you may — that God is empowering and 
sending you there and now, go and fear 
not, and when through days, months and 
years of suft'ering that are sure to come 
in this cross-bearing life, the questions 
arise again and again, 'Why is this? Am 
I in God's path?' the rock to which vou 
will hold in this sea of questionings and 
distresses is. 'God sent me here, I know 
beyond a doubt, therefore I may go 
on, fearing nothing, for He is responsi- 
ble, and He alone.' 



146 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



"But if you do admit, 'I do not know 
whether He sent me or not,' you will be 
thrown into an awful stress of mind by 
the attacks of the great adversary, not 
knowing what will be the outcome, and 
you will tind yourself crying out, 'Oh, 
that it were time to go home ! What a 
fool I was to run ahead of the Lord.' 

**Do not think, my brother, that God 
sends us to the field to sweetly tell the 
story of Jesus, and that is all. He sends 
us there to do what Jesus came into the 
world to do — to bear the cross. (Matt. 
16:24) But we will be able to trudge 
on, though bowed under the weight of 
that cross of suffering and even of 
shame, if our hearts are full of Him, 
and our eyes are ever looking upon the 
One who is invisible, the One zvho sent 
us forth and therefore will carry us 
through. 

"I pray that this message may shake 
in you all that can be shaken, that that 
which cannot be shaken may remain on 
the Rock of Ages." — The Christian, Bos- 
ton, ]\Iass. t 



OUR PRESENT-DAY ATTITUDE 
TOWARD THE LODGE. 

BY REV. J. R. GRAEBNER, FT. V^AYNE, IND. 

(Continued from the August number.) 
Masonry Not Half Heathen, Half Christian. 
The assertion is often made that Mas- 
onry has degrees higher up that are 
Christian. That claim can be recognised 
at once as false. How can Masonry be 
one thing up to a certain degree and an- 
other thing higher up ? How can Mason- 
ry be idolatrous and heathen at the bot- 
tom and Christian at the top ? It is Mas- 
onry and bears that name, all the way 
through. It is Masonic doctrine that the 
first three degrees. Entered Apprentice, 
Fellow Craft and Master Mason, con- 
lain the essence of Masonry, and who- 
ever has been raised to a Master Mason 
is considered a Mason in every sense. 
How can a man be a heathen Mason in 
the first three degrees, the so-called Blue 
Lodge, and a Christian Mason in any of 
the higher degrees or departments of the 
same institution? No more than our 
Lutheran schools could' be Christian 
schools in the lower classes and heathen 
schools in the higher classes. No more 
than our Synod could have Christian 
worship in its colleges and heathen wor- 
ship in its seminaries. Does a Christian 



mother teach her little one only of a 
Supreme Being, and not of Christ ? Are 
that little child's prayers directed to a 
Supreme Ruler whom nobody knows? 
Does that Christian mother :;hink : I am 
going to tell my child of Jesus later, 
when he is older ? No ; Jesus is God, 
in Him we know God, and just as sOOn 
as we tell our children about God, we 
tell them of Jesus, and the first words 
of prayer taught children in Christian 
homes contain that sweetest of all names, 
Jesus. "Come, Lord Jesus, be our 
guest," etc. 

Now I lay me down to sleep, 

I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep; 

If I should die before I wake, 

I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take; 

And this I ask for Jesus' sake. 

Tender Jesus, meek and mild, , 

Look on me, a little child. ' 

Help me, if it is Thy will, 
To recover from all ill. " ; 

'"I / 

Whenever we Christians pray, whethei" 
we expressly mention the name of the; 
Father, or that of the Sofly or that of 
the Holy Ghost, which ever person or 
persons in the Trinity, we e^f^fessly' 
mention in this or that prayer, we alwsys- 
mean the Triune God, Father, Son aiidl 
Holy Ghost, in whose name we were' 
baptized, and who is the only God we 
know, the only God in whom we be- 
lieve. All our prayers are in the name 
of Jesus, in whose merits alone we trust 
for help and every blessing, whether we 
expressly mention that fact in this or 
that particular prayer or not. When 
we say ''God," ''Father," "Lord," in our 
prayers, we are not praying to an un- 
known god, but we are praying to that 
God who revealed Himself in Scripture, 
and of whom we believe all that the 
Scriptures say of Him, and in whose 
Word we trust. 

The Belief ^f Unbelievers. 

In some of the degrees of Masonry 
the name of Jes^us Christ is mentioned. 
The same ca© be said of the Moham- 
medan Koran, TIB e Book of Mormon, 
Science and HolUh of the Christian 
Scientists, and of the books of other 
heathen cuJts used* in place of the Bible 
or in connection wit b the Bible. A Jew- 
ish boy living in nr v neighborhood has 
told mv boys that hi ' believes in Jesus, 
but not in Christ- V^ U significant ! He 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



147 



believes, as his parents do, and as the 
Mohammedans and the Mormons and 
the Buddhists and the Unitarians 
and the ^Masons beheve and as the 
imbeheving Jews of Christ's day be- 
heved, that Jesus is the Son of David, 
but they do not believe, nor do any 
of them pretend to believe, that Jesus 
is the Son of God, the Christ, the 
Redeemer of the world. When such 
anti-Trmitarian cults speak of Jesus or 
Christ as the Son of God and the 
Savior of the world, they do not mean 
what Christians, according to Scripture, 
mean when they use those same terms. 
It is believed by many that ]\Iohammed, 
Confucius, Joseph Smith, the ^Mormon 
Prophet, and Mary Baker Eddy, the 
founder of Christian Science, were 
just as great as Christ. Thousands who 
call themselves Christians do not believe 
that Christ is God any more than any 
other man. We quote from the Christian 
Science Journal: "'Surely, the people of 
the coming centures will vie with each 
other in doing homage to the Rev. Mary 
Baker G. Eddy, the greatest character 
since the advent of Jesus Christ, and her 
iDOok, "Science and Health, with Key 
to the Scriptures,' will go down in his- 
tory as a part of the sacred writings of 
the ages." The Spirittiahsts say, in their 
Spiritual Sunday School Manual : ''Spir- 
itualists believe that there is a supreme 
power and intelligence called God, of 
which no two persons have the same con- 
ception. They believe in Jesus Christ 
and all great and good men and women, 
and that we all have in us the same 
elements of greatness and goodness." 

The lodge creed is no better. 

It is a very common belief among 
people who call themselves Christians 
that Christ is the Savior of the world 
only in this way that He by precept 
and example showed men how to live 
happily here on earth and how to earn 
for themselves a place in heaven. In 
Masonic literature there is no Christian 
conception of Christ's person and of 
His saving work. The Christ of 
^Masonry is precisely the same as the 
Christ of the Koran. The specific Chris- 
tian conception of Christ would mean 
the Christian religion, which would be 
"contrar}' to the universality of Mason- 
ry." Mackey (Encyclopedia, p. 64) ex- 
pressly says: "Freemasonry is not 



Christianity. It does not meddle with 
sectarian creeds or doctrines, but teaches 
fundamental religious truth. It admits 
men of every creed .within its hospitable 
bosom." In full accord with this the 
Grand Uodge of Masons in 1869 said in 
a Judicial Declaration: "Disbelief in the 
divinity of Jesus Christ does not in 
any sense afifect Txlasonic standing." 
"Prince of Mercy" Degree Christian in Its 
Construction. 

The twenty-sixth degree of the Scot- 
tish Rite, the degree Prince of Mercy, 
is called the Trinitarian Degree. ]\Iackey's 
Encyclopedia, article "Prince of Mercy," 
calls it "a Christian degree in its con- 
struction" (note well : "in its construc- 
tion" being based on the number three, 
not "'Christian'' in doctrine), and says 
that the Ritual treats of the threefold 
covenant of God made with the human 
race, first through Abraham, then 
through ^Moses, and finally through 
Christ. The name of Christ is men- 
tioned in this degree, but the Ritual 
contains not a single reference to the 
saving work of Christ. A ceremony 
which resembles Christian Baptism is 
performed in this degree. \Vater is 
poured upon the head of the candidate, 
and these words are spoken: 'T pour 
this water upon thy head as a symbol 
of the purification of the soul by sufifer- 
ing and sorrow, by which parting with 
the stains of sin and the sordidness of 
vice it becomes fit to return to its eternal 
home in the bosom of the Father, who 
loveth all the children he hath made." 
This is the Masonic baptism, without 
mention of Chrisr, without a reference 
to the Trinity. And the degree in which 
this blasphemous parody upon the Sac- 
rament of Baptism is perpetrated is 
known as the "Christian" degree. 
Masonry is from beginning to end idola- 
trous, a Christless cult. 

The lodge god being an idol, the lodge 
religion must be heathen altogether. In 
every heathen religion, that is, in every 
religion which does not recognize Christ 
as the Savior in the Scriptural sense of 
the term, salvation by man's own works 
is taught in place oit salvation through 
Christ and His merits. We find this 
heathen dtKtrine very pronounced in 
Masonry and Odd-Fellowship, less pro- 
nounced in other lodges. 



148 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



Not One Word to Justify, But Many to 
Condemn. 

The Savior says (Matt. 12:37): "By 
thy vrords thou shalt be justified, and 
by thy words thou shalt be condemned." 
Xo lodge ever spoke a word whereby it 
might be justified, but all lodges speak 
words whereby they will be condemned. 
Let us see. And for a change let us have 
a gradatio ad majus, a succession from 
the smaller to the greater. 

You will remember the Elks' doxology. 
At the memorial exercises already re- 
ferred to the following verse was sung: 

Great Ruler of the universe, 

All-seeing and 'benign. 

Look down upon and bless our work, 

And be all glory Thine. 

Oh, hear our prayer for the honored 

dead. 
While bearing in our minds 
The memories graven on each heart 
For Auld Lang Syne. 

It is a prayer for dead Elks. We 
should not pray for the dead. God 
never commanded, nor has He promised 
to hear, such a prayer. On the con- 
trary, God tells us that a person who 
died^ is either in heaven or in hell. Those 
in heaven have no need of prayer in their 
behalf because they are forever dehy- 
ered from all needs and from all evil. 
Lazarus is comforted in Abraham's 
bosom. Those in hell are beyond any 
help, and no prayers can do them any 
good. The rich man in hell could not 
have his tongue cooled, nor could his 
request for his brethern be granted. 
''When a wicked man dieth, his expec- 
tation shall perish." (Prov. 11:17.) ''It 
is appointed unto men once to die, but 
after this the judgment." (Heb. 9:27.) 
Whoever will rule Christ out of the 
doxology w^ill also rule Him out of his 
dying prayer. Those verses sung by 
the Elks show that in their opinion every 
one w^ho died a good Elk is an "honored 
dead" in the sight of God and man. 

The following are portions of the 
burial and memorial services of the 
Loyal Order of Moose: 

'Today we realize how transitory is 
all that is mortal. And we can but pray 
that He who watcheth over us will for- 
give our mistakes and transgressions, 
and that He will, because of the love 
that builded it, find out Circle worthy." 

"Heavenlv Father, we come to Thee 



in oiu' hour of affliction. Let Thy ten- 
derness and compassion touch the hearts 
of all, especially the family of our de- 
parted brother, who knew him best and 
loved him most. Ease Thou our sorrow, 
and revive anew our trust and faith in 
Thee. Grant us strength to bear the 
burden Thy wisdom has imposed upon 
us, and make us strong to battle with 
the temptations^ and evils of this Hfe, 
so that, when our call is sounded, we 
may be gathered to Thy presence. This 
we ask in Thy name. Amen." 

Special Cjrave Services : "Heavenly 
Father, we come to Thee in our afflic- 
tion. Let Thy tenderness and compas- 
sion touch the hearts of all, especially 
the family of our departed brother. 
Ease Thou our sorrow, and revive anew 
our faith and trust in Thee. Father, 
grant us strength to bear the burden 
thy wisdom has imposed upon us, and 
make us strong to battle with the evils 
and temptations of this Hfe, so that, 
when our call is sounded, we may be 
gathered in Thy presence. We ask this 
in Thy name. Amen." 

"My brother, sweet be thy rest and 
happy thy awakening. Here may spring- 
time bring its earliest buds and flowers, 
and here may summer's last rose linger 
longest ; and though the frost of autumn 
shall lay the flowers low, and for a time 
make desolate all that is here, and the 
winter shall come to deck this grave 
with a mantle of white, yet in another 
springtime will the flowers bloom again. 
So, my brother, when the bright dawn 
of the world's resurrection shall light 
the heavens, may this, thy body, now 
laid low by death, come forth in im- 
mortal glory, and in the realms above 
mayest thou join in making our broken 
circle again complete. Until then, my 
brother, farewell." 

"No Sting in Death" to Faithful Elks. 

Memorial Services: "Dictator (gives 
a rap) : Brother Sergeant-at-Arms, 
drape our altar with a cloth of black 
and white, black to signify our sorrow in 
the loss of our departed brothers ; white, 
to signify our faith that we shall meet 
them again. Place the Holy Bible on 
our altar! it is our inspiration and our 
guide. Place a flower on the altar,* 
token of our tribute to those who are 
with us no more. Drape our charter 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



149 



in their memory." 

"To the brothers who hve faithful to 
the broad and beautiful precepts of our 
order, there is no sting in death, nor 
victory for the grave. There is indeed 
victory and triumph in surrender to the 
inevitable, in a brave and peaceful wel- 
come to the hour of the soul's passing. 
To the coward, the life beyond is dread 
and dark ; to the brave it is cheering 
and luminous ; it is not sacrifice, it is 
reward, not a halting and stillness, but 
progress and thrilling clairvoyance. There 
is solemnity ; yea, sadness, in all earthly 
partings, but not despair. \Mien in good 



again affectionately call their names and 
by Thy blessed gift of memory to again 
see tlieir faces. O Lord, we ask Thy 
blessing on each dear departed brother, 
on his family and loved ones ; and we 
ask Thee to bless our order, its members, 
and their dear ones. Grant us strength 
to bear the burdens of life, and when 
the end shall come, grant that we may 
fearlessly and with perfect faith in Thee 
enter our last long sleep. Amen." 

The entire Aloose Burial Service and 
Memorial Service Ritual, which contains 
much more than the portions we have 
quoted, more prayers and meditations 






mum. %■ 




SrXSET AT THREE CASTLES. GRAND CAN VOX NATIONAL TARK, 



time our scroll is written and the record 
of our achievement made up, let us 
'meet death with a level gaze.' Upon 
the faces of the great and good there 
shines a light reflected from the golden 
hills of heaven, which death cannot efface 
or dim, and for such for all eternity 
there waits a peer's place upon the Scats 
of the :\Iighty." 

"Divine Father, we thank Thee in that 
Thou hast permitted us to assemble here 
in tribute to our loved dead ; to once 



similar to those (juoted. does not once 
mention, or refer to Christ and His 
aton.ing sacrifice ; it not only implies, but 
it plainly says that every good Moose 
goes to heaven on his own merits. It 
does not contain the Lord's Prayer, be- 
cause Christ made it. It contains only 
such hymns in which Christ's name does 
not occur, as "Nearer My God to Thee," 
and '"Lead Kindly Light." It also con- 
tains, in the closing prayer, a petition 
for the dead. 



150 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



Atheists in Modern Woodmen Heaven. 

In the History of Modern Woodmen 
of America, Joseph C. Root, Head Con- 
sul, "an active member of the JNIasonic 
Consistor}' and co-ordinate bodies, of 
the Odd-Fellows, of the Knights of 
Pythias, and other fraternal organiza- 
tions," writes on page 13: "The fra- 
ternity should not arrogate to itself to 
select the Christian and reject the un- 
believer . . . The doors, then, are 
left open to the Jew and the Gentile, the 
Catholic and the Protestant, and agnostic 
and the atheist." 

The official Ritual of the Modern 
Woodmen of America, in the chapter on 
"Funeral Ceremonies," has the following 
on page 'j'j : ''Consul : We shall soon 
leave our neighbor in the city of the 
dead. ]\Iourn not his departure. He 
shall live in the eternal glories of his 
Maker." After the body is committed 
to the ground, the order sings: 

So let him sleep that dreamless sleep, 
Our sorrows clustering round his head: 
Be comforted, ye loved, who weep. 
He lives with God! He is not dead. 

Even though he died an "unbeliever," 
"agnostic," or ''atheist," if he was a good 
Woodman, he is now in heaven, accord- 
ing to these funeral ceremonies. 

The Red Men also despise Christ. 
They evidently have no use for Him in 
their pursuit of righteousness and peace, 
here and hereafter, otherwise their 
ritual could not contain a prayer like 
this: 

''O Thou Great Spirit of the Universe, 
good and powerful as Thou art, whose 
power is displayed in the splendor of 
the sun, the glories of the night, the 
foHage of the forest, the roaring of the 
rivers, and the great waters of the deep, 
look dow^n from Thy majestic throne 
of grace and shed thy bounties upon all 
Red Men of the forest. Do Thou, Great 
Spirit, inspire each Red Man's breast 
with that holy courage that will teach 
him to paddle his canoe safely to that 
undiscovered country from whose 
bourne no traveler returns.' Teach him 
truth, wisdom, and brotherly love toward 
his Fellow Red Men. Grant that our 
walk be upright and pleasing in Thy 
sight. Banish all discord from our coun- 
cils, that our council-fire may forever 
burn to Thy glory. Bless us with plenty, 



and reward our labors twofold. May the 
Red Man and pale face be friends. En- 
able us to prove by our good works that 
we are brethern, and show the stranger 
that with us virtue, charity, love, peace, 
freedom, and friendship dwell. Inspire 
our great councils with wisdom, that 
they may be able to guide their respective 
Tribes in the right path, that they go 
not astray and follow the path of the 
Evil Spirit. Preserve our homes from 
danger, and make us wise and virtuous. 
Teach us the trail we must follow while 
we live in this forest, and when it is 
Thy will that we shall cross the river 
of death, take us to Thyself, where Thy 
council fire of love and glory burneth 
forever in righteousness. O, Thou 
Great Spirit, hear us !" 

The Knights of Pythias (Ritual p. 2) 
pray for life eternal in these words: 
"Vouchsafe Thy blessing, our heavenly 
Father, on the events of this evening. 
Be Thou with us, shield us from all 
harm, and finally permit us to be with 
Thee, on the last great day, a united 
brotherhood, to share the blessings of 
life eternal. Hear and answer us, we 
beseech Thee. Amen." Who would 
imagine a Christian congregation hav- 
ing in any of its books a prayer for the 
privilege of being with God on Judgment 
Oay to share the blessings xji life eter- 
nal in which Christ and His merits are 
not mentioned? But a good Knight of 
Pythias can go to heaven, it seems, with- 
out Christ. 

(To Be Continued.) 



Nothing venture and you'll have noth- 
ing to regret. If you've nothing to re- 
gret, you've never had any fun. 

Patience and forgiveness are the shock 
absorbers of life. 



A white minister in Missouri was re- 
cently called upon to marry a colored 
couple. At the close of the ceremony he 
humorously remarked, "It is customary 
to kiss the' bride, but in this instance we 
will omit it." The indignant groom re- 
plied, "It is customary for the groom to 
give the minister a five dollar bill but in 
this instance we will omit that."^ Min- 
isters should either perform their full 
dutv or talk less. 



Seotember, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



151 



i^etogjOf 0nx Worfe 



The following item will be of in- 
terest to many of the Cynosure readers : 
Rev. Dr. Carradine is the author of 
"Are Secret Societies a Blessing?" 
which has been issued in many editions 
and by a number of different pubHshing 
houses, besides our own National Chris- 
tian Association. 

'*Dr. Beverly Carradine, for over 
twenty-five years an evangelist of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. South, for- 
merly a resident of St. Louis, ^Missouri, 
who sustained a severe injury about two 
years ago from an accident in Tacoma, 
Washington, when he was struck on 
the head by a street car, is not dead as 
has been reported, but is much better 
and is gradually recovering. He is at 
home with his family in Chicago and 
may be reached by addressing his daugh- 
ter, ]\Irs. Lulu Samuels, 75 Blane ave- 
nue, Hinsdale, 111. He has been shut 
in for a long time and would appreciate 
hearine: from his rnanv friends.'' 



We take the following from the Aug- 
ust, 1920, issue of TJic Gospel Messen- 
ger, the official organ of the Primitive 
Baptist Church : 

'Tt is and has been the sense of our 
churches not to hold in fellowship any 
church, member, or minister, who holds 
membership with the world. Freemas- 
onry, Odd-Fellowship or other anti- 
Christian oath bound religious orders 
that do exist or may hereafter exist, 
founded upon the wisdom of men, or 
any modern attempts to reform or 
babvlonize the church of God." 



CONTRIBUTIONS. 

The last report was in the August 
Cyxosure. page 122. The following 
amounts have been received since : 

A. W. Patterson, $1 : ^Irs. E. E. E. 
Bailev, $^ ; Rev. Bunge, $1: Rev. \\'m. 
Harder, %2 ; F. Buiz. $^. 

Christian Reformed Churches : Classes 
Illinois, St:; and $48.72: Ninth Street, 
Holland Mich., S28.05 : Goshen, Ind., 
$2.50. 

Our thanks on behalf of the Associa- 
tion for the above. During the montl 
past we have given to each of the seven- 
ty graduates of the "Moody Bible Insti 



tute a cloth bound copy of "Modern Se 
cret Societies," by Pres. G. A. Blanchard 

W'e have sent out free some 14,000 
page of tracts and quite a number of 
Cyxosures. ]\Iany individual ministers 
have been reached in this way. 

The new edition of tracts which we 
recently printed cost between two and 
three hundred dollars. Others now out 
of print should be republished soon. Our 
grateful thanks are given to those who 
have sent iif their contribution for this 
purpose. 

Please do not forget to take a share 
in the Cynosure Endowment Fund. It 
only amounts to $60.00 at this writing, 
but watch it grow. 

W:^r. I. Phillips, Treasurer. 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

rev. W. B. STODDARD. 

In Country, Holmes County, Ohio, 
August 13th. 
Dear Cynosure : As my friend is busy 
who is to take me for calls, I improve 
the opportunity to report. 

I came over the hills with the multi- 
tude to attend the Ohio ^lennonite State 
Sunday School Conference, which gath- 
ered in a large tent near "^Martin's Creek" 
Church. The land is this section is large- 
ly "piled in heaps," as the Irishman de- 
scribed the small mountains. I am told 
there are but 52 churches in Holmes 
County, and about half that number of 
local pastors. The people appear pros- 
perous and healthy. There are many 
friends here of our cause. 

The conference was a great success, 
large in attendance, and strong in spirit- 
ual expression. The subjects discussed 
were varied and comprehensive. The ad- 
dresses were thoroughly prepared and 
masterly in delivery. Your representa- 
tive was given a welcome and as much 
time for expression as the overcrowded 
program aft'orded. There was much 
money needed to meet the mission held 
calls, but the X. C. A. was given its por- 
tion in a good list of Cynosure subscrib- 
ers. The spirit of this meeting was most 
delightfully refreshing to one contem- 
plating the sins and sorrows of our dis- 
tressed times as they are set forth by 
the daily papers. 

The past month has brought great op- 
portunity for effective work. I gave 
three addresses in churches of the L^nited 



152 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



Zions Children while in Lebanon County, 
Pennsylvania. A run of twenty-six miles 
over a line road by the Cornwall Iron 
Ore mines, and through Lebanon Coun-' 
ty forest brought me to Hahntown, near 
Ephrata. My coming had not been an- 
nounced. The elder in charge, however, 
gave me the larger portion of his time, 
and liberty to speak on my specialty. 
Some lodge people did not wait for the 
benediction. The greater portion of the 
congregation evidently sympathized with 
the speaker. 



rived in the night. The glare of the blast 
furnaces as the flames shot far into the' 
sky gave the appearance of a city on 
fire. Prices were advancing and busi- 
ness appeared good. I took a few hours 
off to go fishing with my good friend 
Fischer, of Columbiana, Ohio. We cul- 
tivated our patience and enjoyed the fine 
supper that the good wife prepared. We 
are not saying much about the fish ! 
Some new names were added to oui 
Cynosure list at that place. There were 
stops at Leetonia, Salem, Louisville and 




INDIAN SHAWL WEAVER. 



The Richland, Pennsylvania, meeting 
in the "Church of the Brethren" would 
have been better attended had not the 
harvest need been so great. There were 
likely seventy-five in attendance. It was 
well worth while. I wish our friend 
Goodman, who told of leaving many 
lodges would write of his experience for 
the Cynosure. 

Dropping into prayer-meetings in Pal- 
myra and Camp Hill, Pa., brought good 
results. A sabbath was spent near 
Waynesboro, Pa. I spoke in Church of 
the Brethren at Prices and Rouserville, 
and was told my coming was especially 
opportune at the former place, as they 
had lodge troubles. 

While at home in \Trginia I spent the 
Sabbath near by at Oakton. I found the 
number of friends there increasing. Their 
minister had fallen from a tree and frac- 
tured a rib. He expressed joy that I 
could speak in his stead. There was anti- 
lodge mixture in the sermon. 

My first stop in coming to the Buckeye 
State was Youngstown. Our train ar- 



Canton that proved helpful. Our good 
friends of the Lutheran church at Salem 
were rejoicing in the good fortune in 
their new pastor. All the activities of 
this church were in excellent condition, 
and .they stand a unit in opposing the 
lodge, I was told. 

I spoke for Wesleyan, Methodist and 
Mennonite Mission churches at Canton. 

A fine Wesleyan church, centrally lo- 
cated, is in process of erection. The good 
pastor feels anxious that another anti- 
secrecy convention shall be held in this 
city and offers the use of his church as 
soon as it is completed. He recalled with 
pleasure our former convention. I was 
told that seventy per cent of the pastors 
in this city are members of the lodges. 
Surely there is great need for light in 
Canton. When shall we rally for this 
convention? Akron. Barberton and 
W^adsworth, Ohio, gave their usual con- 
tribution of Cynosure subscriptions. I 
exceedingly regretted my inability to 
enter some of the doors of usefulness 
in these cities. Likely I can reach the 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



153 



call for an address in an Akron Lutheran 
church on my return from the contem- 
plated Michigan work next month. 

There were several camp '(meeting:^ 
and conferences in\iting, but providence 
indicated I should come here. Why don't 
more of our friends enter this field of 
work ? Surely, there is crying need. 
\\'ere I forty persons, instead of one, 
there would be plenty of open doors for 
the forty. 

I am expected to speak in a large coun- 
try church near here on Sabbath, the 
15th. My thought is to attend the con- 
ference of our Ohio Synod Lutheran 
friends at Blue Island, Illinois, in Aug- 
ust and give the month of September to 
the work in Western Michigan and 
Northern Ohio. 

W^eather has been generally favorable. 
God has given strength thus far. Shall 
we not ask and expect largely that our 
joy may be full? Our foe is subtle and 
aggressive, but the might of Jehovah is 
on our side, and he is to reign, whose 
right it is to reign. God hasten the day. 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER." 

Dear Cynosi're : I wrote you last from 
Palestine, Texas, but am now in Omaha, 
Nebraska, again*. While at Palestine, I 
met an old man who was a preacher at 
one time but quit preaching and began to 
organize lodges of all descriptions. , He 
belonged to several different lodges, and 
came to hear me. In my lectures I said 
that the lodge worship was idolatry. This 
stirred up his interest so he came the 
next day to see me. He wanted to know 
how I learned so much about secret so- 
cieties. I told him and got out the rituals 
and showed them to him. The old man 
was dumbfounded for a while. He said 
he had never even thought that anybody 
would give away the secrets of Masonry. 
He asked me if I was a Mason's wife. 
I told him no. "Did you ever belong to 
a lodge?'' I told him "No." .He said, 
"Well, we will have to get the men that 
are getting these books out." So he took 
the names of a few men and of the offi- 
cers of the N. C. A. Then he said, ''You 
are a great Bible teacher, and I believe 
you are a good woman, but you are 
against your own race." 

I asked him, "Don't white people be- 
long to lodges?" he said, "Y^es." I said. 



■] am exjjosing the lo(1ges and e\er\- 
ihing that belongs to boih the white and 
black people.' He. wondered why the 
white lodge men did not kill me. 1 said, 
"Because they have got better sense than 
to do a thing like that. The white peo- 
ple know that I never was a Mason. They 
know that a woman who had any decency 
about her would not suffer her- 
self to be stripped of her clothes and 
have a halter put around her neck like 
an ass, and let bootleggers, gamblers, 
hickjackers, preachers, class leaders, 
deacons, drunkards, liars, whoremongers 
and all kinds of men take her up behind 
closed curtains to go through certain 
mysterious rites." 

The old preacher-lodge-organizer an- 
swered. "Well I never saw a woman like 
you.*' "But by the lodges' help we can 
get together better." I replied, "Y^es, you 
got together at Elaine, Arkansas, and 
more than a hundred white men and 
black are in hell to-day On account of it." 
Pie said, "That was wrong but what can 
the black man do to get what is his right 
in this country?" 

1 said, "Let black men and the white 
men take God's way for peace and right 
in this country and do unto others as 
you would have men do unto you — that 
is God's remedy (Luke 6:31). Jesus 
Christ knew what was best for men (I 
Tim. 2 :i-2). He said "Pray for all men, 
for kings and all that are in authority: 
that men may lead a quiet and peaceable 
life in all Godliness and honesty." (verse 
3.) For this is good and acceptable in 
the sight of God, cur Saviour." 

"Well, sister, that Scripture is right, 
but who is living by it ? The white man 
is not living by it nor the black man 
either, so I have left off preaching the 
\\'ord. The white man is oppressing the 
black man and taking his rights from 
him. Now, what are we to do?" 

I said, "Do like God commands you to 
do. God will take care of those oppres- 
sing us as he did of Ahab and Jezebel. 
They had Naboth killed and took his 
vineyard (I Kings 21 :i5, 17, 19 and 20) 
God sent the prophet to tell Ahab his 
doom ! What a curse he brought on 
himself and his posterity. All the men 
of his house were slain for that great sin. 
\\'ell, God don't change. \\'hat did not 
please Him that day, will not please Him 



154 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



today (Titus 1:2). God cannot lie and 
He doesn't change. 'The wicked shall be 
turned into hell and all nations that for- 
get God' — black race or white race. God 
is no respecter of persons. (Col. 3:25) 
'Everyone that doeth wa-ong shall receive 
for the wrong \vhich he hath done and 
there is no respect of persons.' " 

He said, ''Sister, are you santified?" 
I said, "Yes." ''Well," said he, "holy 
folks can live and do as God says, but 
we cannot do it. God doesn't move fast 
enough for us." 

I said to myself, Lord, is this man a 
preacher? If he is his sermons are all 
from the Devil, but to him I said, "Well, 
you people, white and black, refuse to 
have holiness, you will have to take hell. 
It is holiness or hell (Heb. 12:14). 'Fol- 
low peace with all men and holiness with- 
out which no man shall see the Lord.' " 

I left Palestine for Houston, Texas. 
The people came to the meeting by the 
thousands night and day for ten days. 
The grounds were covered with people. 
Elder C. H. Mason preached there nights 
and I taught each day three or four 
hundred women. I told them of the sin 
of the lodges and sold several rituals. 
Elder Mason also exposed their secret 
societies and told about men binding 
themselves together to kill and to slay 
each other. Some got mad and said, 
"That preacher needs a bullet through 
his head." None of these things move 
me, or any of the preachers in that state 
meeting. 

We left some shouting joyfully and 
others were fighting mad. When the 
Gospel don't make the devil mad is when 
you compromise with him. 

We left Houston for Dallas, Texas. 
Then on to Sherman, Texas. We taught 
there four nights. The devil was stirred 
up but he quit when we went to Paris, 
Texas. 

I was at Paris five years ago, when 
some of the people said that they were 
going to have the white people lynch me 
and Sister Hannah Chandler. But when 
I went back there four years ago the 
whole town was burned down. The peo- 
ple had no houses to live in. This time 
they had burned up two black men. 

I said. My God, what will become of 
this wicked place? All it lacks of being 
Hell is the fire. I told my people that 
I had been here before and tried to get 



them to turn to Ciod and live holy lives 
but you would not have holiness, now 
you have got hell right here in Paris, 
Texas. 

The people are leaving the city by the 
hundreds. I said to them, 'If you don't 
obey God, the devil will destroy you no 
matter where you go." And I said, "You 
white folks are bringing swift judgment 
upon yourselves and your children." 

We need some white preachers who 
will stand against this great sin of burn- 
ing black men. Most of the people in 
these riots are church members, I got 
a good many to stay here and not go ofif 
and leave there houses in the south, but 
to stay and live a life that will please 
God. 'Tf a man's ways please God, He 
will make his enemies to be at peace with 
him." And "the steps of a good man are 
ordered from the Lord." 

The people said, "Well, Sister Rober- 
son, what are we to do?" I said, "Sufifer 
wrong rather than do wrong." 

We left Paris and went to Texarkana. 
Stopped over there two nights. Here 
they threw rocks on the building. 

Then I passed on my way to Shreve- 
port, Louisiana, and this time the people 
surely heard me gladly. They stood 
around the door when I came out of the 
church and different ones put money in 
my hand and said, "We wish you would 
stay and run this meeting ten or fifteen 
days." But I left there and stopped over 
at my southern home, Argenta, Arkan- 
sas, two nights. The night before I got 
to Argenta, a man shot his wife six times 
and killed her. He was a lodge member 
and so was his wife. Well, those lodge 
folks buried that woman and had a big 
turnout at the funeral. But the same 
lodge folks hid him to keep the officers 
from getting him. Now note the prin- 
ciples governing secret orders. Burying 
the one that was killed and hiding the 
murderer, and running him off to keep 
the law from having its course. 

God help the people to get their eyes 
open. God bless the work of the N. C. 
A. The secret work of the devil is as 
dangerous as the saloon. Whiskey made 
drunkards and harlots and the secret 
societies make men murder each other 
and think they are doing God's will. 

All the strikes and riots and burnings 
and lynchings come from men binding 
themselves together to do certain things. 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



155 



Oh ! when will the day come when the 
ministers who are leadni^^ the people 
will cr}^ aloud and lift up their voice like 
a trumpet and tell Israel of their sin 
and Jacob of his -transgression. Sin has 
separated the people from their God 
(Isa. 59) ''Behold the Lord's hand is 
not shortened that He cannot save ; 
neither His hearing that He cannot hear ; 
but your iniquities have separated you 
and your God and your sins have hid His 
face from you that He will not hear, for 
your hands are defiled with blood and 
your fingers with iniquity. Your lips 
have spoken lies, your tongues have ut- 
tered perverseness. None calleth for jus- 
tice nor any pleadeth for truth. They 
trust in vanity and speak lies. They con- 
ceive mischief and bring forth iniquity, 
they hatch cockatrice eggs and weave 
spider webs ; he that eateth of their eggs 
dieth and that which is crushed break- 
eth out into a viper. Their webs shall 
not become garments, neither shall they 
cover themselves with their works. Their 
works are works of iniquity and acts 
of violence are in their hands. Their 
feet run to evil and they make haste to 
shed innocent blood. Their thoughts 
are of iniquity, wasting and destruction 
are in their path. The way of peace 
they know not and there is no judgment 
in their going. They have made them 
crooked paths. Whosoever goeth therein 
shall not know peace, therefore, judg- 
ment is far from us neither doth justice 
overtake us. We wait for light but 
behold obscurity for brightness, but we 
walk in darkness. We grope for the wall 
like the blind. We grope as if we had 
no eyes ; we stumble at noon day as in 
the night, we are in desolate places as 
dead men. 

T tell you of a trutl-^, God doesn't 
change : if something is not done this 
country of ours will perish by the sword. 
God help the rulers of this country to 
see before it is too late. 

There is never any trouble in the south- 
ern states with the holy people. They 
are all peaceable. Oh, God, give its some 
more holy preachers. The entire church 
will never do any great good as long as 
wicked men fill the pulpits. God help 
us; help us, Oh God, help us. Stir up 
the mourning women. (Jer. 9:17) 

Yours for the Master's use, 

Lizzie W. Roberson. 



SOUTHERN AGENT'S REPORT. 

REV. F. J. DAVIDSON. 

Since my last letter I have been quite 
indisposed, but thank God all seems well 
again. I have not been altogether con- 
fined indoors nor have I slackened my 
zeal but as I lift up my eyes and behold 
the fields so white to harvest I feel con- 
strained to press forward and work 
while it is day for night will come when 
I cannot work. Glory to God for the 
gift of His love. 

The commerce and everything in this 
city has been greatly affected the whole 
year by the striking unions. For four 
weeks the street car conductors, track 
men and motormen paralyzed every ave- 
nue of work and business. It was ex- 
tremely dangerous to ride on street cars, 
jitneys, trucks, wagons or even to walk 
along some thoroughfares, although 
hundreds of poor laborers desired to 
work, but fear of the oathbound secret 
unions and their sympathizers kept them 
cowed until Judge Foster of the United 
States district court stretched out the 
strong arm of the law and defied the 
unions. Things are now in much better 
shape, but are not yet normal. 

I have preached and lectured at the 
following places : Round Hill Baptist 
Church, Rev. Wm. Copeland, pastor, Vi- 
olet, La. ; Corinne Baptist Church, Rev. 
L. Gay, pastor, Mereaux, La. ; First Pil- 
grim Baptist Church, Deacon Noel 
Washington, pastor ; Amazon Baptist 
Church, Rev. B. Joleceour, pastor ; 
Mount Triumph Baptist Church, Rev. 
N. Milrow, pastor, Donaldsville, La. ; 
Mount Triumph Baptist Church, Rev. 
L. C. Crier, pastor. Baton Rouge, La. : 
Little Rebecca Baptist Church. Rev. ^^^ 
Clayton, pastor, Elliott City. La. ; First 
Baptist Church, Rev. W. Bibians, pastor. 
I also attended three ministers' confer- 
ences and taught Bible lessons. I se- 
cured also a few Cynosure readers and 
held a number of hovtse conferences. 

I find the secret lodge influence rapid- 
ly spreading and waxing worse and 
worse. Most pastors, though privately 
acknowledging that secret societies are 
injuring their churches and greatly hin- 
dering spiritual success, very few of 
them are willing to be quoted or to take 
a public stand against the lodges. Many 
of them declare a public stand against 
the lodge would injure their church and 



156 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



bear no results against the multiplica- 
tion of lodges. I am still standing on 
the \\'ord of God and crying out against 
Satan and all the lodge brood. The little 
Central Baptist Church, of which I am 
the pastor, is standing out amidst stern- 
est opposition, misrepresentation and 
persecution, but the promise is, "He that 
endureth to the end shall be saved." It 
requires untarnished faith, in a modern 
Sodom and Gomorrah like New Orleans, 
to stand firm agamst these monsters of 
iniquity. The lodge element here has de- 
clared that myself and wife and two 
babies shall suffer as long as I stand 
out against them. Pray that I may not 
faint. 

New Orleans, La. 



Newspapers are unnecessary in heaven 
because there's no scandal there. 



How time flies with love ! 
love flies with time! 



A man wants his son to be a better 
man than he ; a woman wants her daugh- 
ter to marry a richer man than she did. 



A wise daughter makes a forgiving 
mother. 



The human heart wears out, but never 
grows old. 



Because we do not understand a thing 
we say it is not so. 



If you have not laughed once in twen- 
ty-four hours, it is a day you haven't 
lived. 



People who tell all they know do not 
do half the harm that those do who tell 
more than they know. 



And how Who ever heard of a bachelor needing 



a rest cure 




HOTEL EL TOVAR AT GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK. 



LETTERS FROM OUR FRIENDS 

Our friend, Rev. P. J. Bunge, of Ar- 
mour, South Dakota, when sending in a 
contribution and also renewing his sub- 
scription, and that of his son, wrote : 
"As the refreshing winds in these hot 
summer days are helping to give courage 
to the tiring laborer, so the good Chrlst- 
lAN Cynosure is having a wholesome 
influence upon its readers in these pe- 
culiar times of ours. Indeed, the world 
would miss very much iLthe Cyno.sure 
would cease to exist. The Lord bless 
your work and strengthen your weaken- 



ing knees! He is faithful and will nev- 
er forsake his true servants." 



Many of our readers have no doubt 
read "Pebbles in the Path of a Pilgrim/' 
written by Mrs. H. B. Hastmgs, whose 
husband was editor of The Christian for 
many years until the time of his death, 
and was also one of the most powerful 
lecturers on the modern forms of infi- 
delity that our country has ever known. 
When sending in a contribution to our 
work recently Mrs. Hastings wrote : 

"Wish I could make it more but, as the 



September. 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



157 



publishers of 'The Ladies Home Journal' 
once said of the early days of their pub- 
lication, 'W'e have'had to run as fast as 
we could in order to stand still.' I pray 
that the Lord may bless your work which 
I feel is more needed now than at any 
time in the past forty years.'' 



La Casa, Texas. 
National Christian Association, 

Sirs: Am returning this book [Mod- 
ern Secret Societies] which was sent me 
unauthorized. [A gift from a friend.] 
Am not in need of such trash, as my 
Christianity does not -consist of con- 
demning other people's beliefs, neither 
does it allow for narrow-mindedness or 
ignorance. Respectfully, 

(signed) Edwin Lanning. 
(Received August 2, 1920.) 



Greeneville, Tenn., Aug, 7, 1920. 
Mr. Wm. I. Phillips, 
Dear Editor Christian Cynosure : 

Please allow me to congratulate you 
on the August number of the Christian 
Cynosure. It ought to circulate in a 
million American homes. If you will print 
article on page no (Why Primitive Bap- 
tist Do Not Fellow-Ship Secret Socie- 
ties) I will use them by the hundred in 
tract form. It seems the world is going 
wild after something new, any kind of 
secret lodge can make menibers by the 
hundred, while the Christian Church 
groans beneath its burden. But we are 
not fighting a losing battle. Let us take 
courage, for hundreds never po further 
than the first degree and thousands tes- 
tify that lodge religion does not satisfy 
the soul, and the Bible tells us that it is 
a shame to speak of the things that are 
done of them in the secret, and that their 
folly shall be made manifest. 

I hope you can keep the Cynosure go- 
ing, for it is one paper I never want to 
be without. 

Yours verv trulv. 

\V. S. Bandy. 



Could an editor of a church paper say 
more of another publication than the fol- 
lowing extract from an editorial of Rev. 
J. L. Logan's, in The Free Methodist. 
issue following our last annual meeting? 
Thank you. Brother Logan. 

"All of our preachers should have the 
Christian Cynosure that they may 



know what is going on in the secret em- 
pire. This is the only publication that 
is specifically devoted to work of this 
character, and so far as we know the Na- 
tional Christian Association is the only 
organization that has for its object the 
overthrow of the whole secret society 
evil. The magazine is a monthly, pub- 
lished at 850. W. ^ladison street, Chi- 
cago, Illinois, at $1.50 a year. The July 
number contains a full report of the an- 
nual meefTng and has the photos of Rev. 
W. B. Rose and Bishop D. S. Warner, a 
former president, and some others. Sin- 
gle copy of the magazine, 15 cents.'' 



A worker in Lincoln, Nebraska, Pas- 
tor John L. Marshall. Jr., writes : 'Tn so 
far as I know the ministers opposed to 
secret societies were never brought to- 
gether as you suggested. If the minister 
you requested to see to that, ever sent 
me word, it failed to reach me. On ac- 
count of my feeling led to emphasize a 
number of neglected Bible truths (as I 
consider them) I am very slow to join 
organizations. Working independently I 
can help I believe on a number of lines, 
and hinder less. However some organ- 
izations are need, and the National 
Christian Association is one of them. 

"The ?^Iasonic lodges are taking in 
more members here from time to time, 
but there is some effort being put forth 
against them and other lodges. Recently 
the Lancaster County Holiness Asso- 
ciation voted that even members of the 
Grand Army of the Republic can not be 
members of their Association. I was not 
present at the business meeting at which 
that was done as I am not a member of 
the Association. There was opposition, 
but it carried by the necessary majority. 
After the vote was taken one man. a 
minister from University Place. I think, 
asked that his name be dropped from 
the membership. He was opposed to 
the action taken." 



The young woman today who wouldn't 
be bothered with children is the old 
woman of tomorrow who sits in the 
corner and weeps — alone. 



Love makes the world go 'round, but 
there are no free passes — we have to 
pay for the trip. 



158 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



September, 1920. 



MASONIC CHART. 




Illustrating the Relation of some of the Degrees and Rites in Freemasonry to each 

OTHER. 

The accompanying chart represents one hundred and forty-two degrees. 

1. The American Rite of 13 degrees. 

2. The Scotch Rite of 3.3 degrees. 

3. The Egyptian Rite of 96 degrees. 

4. The Mystic Shrine of one degree. 

5. The Eastern Star of five degrees for Master Masons and for women. These are side 
degrees, and not genuine masonry. 

The Symbolic degrees, or Blue Lodge of three degrees, are common to every Masonic 
rite, whether American, Scotch or Egyptian, or whichever of the Masonic rites named in 
Mackey's Masonic Encyclopedia one may choose to investigate. 



September, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



159 



I 



THE POLAR STAR. 



Jonathan Hlanchard. 
iSlot too fast. 



Orlando S. Grinnell. 




Sweet Cyn - o - sure ! Far fixed in spot-less fields 



north -ern 



e-ther thou hast 

Still thou surviv'st, lone star; still swim'st sublime, High in the re-gions of the 
Em - blem of truth, of vir - tue and of love, Tho' oft ob-scured by that un- 
Nor dost thou shine in vain. While far at sea, The storm - beat sailor, tossed with- 




ev - er hung; While hands 
po - lar night; And by 
earth - ly light, Which darts 
out a guide. Oft flings 



and 
thy 
wild 

his 



harps 
stead 
beau 
treach 



that hymn'd thee, long unstrung, Have 

- y beams, as cold as bright, Thou 

- ty o'er the clouds of night, Un- 

- 'rous com-pass to the tide And 



-f-fi»- 



f:Ml 



ir^t 



t^^- 



-^- 



L^ 



■i=.-i=t=.K 



-Ji=ii 



f==l 



felt time's grasp, and 'neath the scythe he wields Have sought their dust o - rig - i - 
serv'st a waymark to the sons of time; As thou didst rest se - rene a - 
moved, un-min-gled, from thy dome a - bove Thy sil - ver rays in pure ir - 
trusts him-self to Prov - i - dence and thee: By thy true light the proud ship 



Efc 



J 



A/—V- 



^=^^=^. 




Sitfe 



nal, and lie Frail sub - jects of the sen - tenee. "Thou shalt die." 

bove the change Thtit wheels and trem-bles through ere - a - tion's range, 

ra - diance glow, As all un - con-scious of the mists be - low. 

rights a - gain. Luffs to the gale and stems the rug - ged main. 



=^1i=3 



r 



_42 



f 



4^- 



i 



ISHHHHSZSHgHHSHSB'^ZSP^aaHP^iriH.PP ' Pr^^^^ 



\'0L. LIII. No. 6. 



CHICAGO 



OCTOBER, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

Published M»nthly by the National Christian 
Aaaociat4on. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street* Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 



TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE — Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribtt for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In such cases, if we are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not re&u« 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wl 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should t)€ addressed to 
Wm. I. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 
Entered as Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 

lit the Post Office at Chicago, 111., under Act of 

March S, 1879. 



CONTENTS 



The Threefold Deliverance, poem by Rev. 

James M. Gray, D.D 1G3 

World War Order Organized. — Chicago 

Daily News 163 

The Need of the Present Hour in Our 

Reform, by Pres. C. A. Blanchard 163 

The Question of the Hour, by E. E. Flagg 167 

Foresters of America 172 

Great Council of Red Men 172 

Petrified Tree Trunk, Petrified Forest — 

photograph 173 

United Commercial Travelers, by B. M. 

Holt 173 

National Association of Teachers Bars 

Union with Labor 173 

$2,000,000 Bahai Temple to Be Built 174 

Want Hands Off Fraternal Insurance... 175 
Lodge "Charity" on a Business Basis. — 

The Odd Fellozv Review 175 

The Darn Dormant Lodge. — The Kable- 

grain 175 

Wheaton College — Editorial note by Rev. 

Dr. J. M. Gray... ; 176 

That Degree of Senator Harding's. — 

Chicago Herald-Examiner 176 

Gov. Coolidge's Firm Stand 176 

Masonic Bunk 177 

Our Present-Day Attitude Toward The 

Lodge, Rev. J. R. Graebner 177 

A Dance for Methodists 182 



The Mark of the Beast, H. B. H. in The 
Christian 182 

Non-Christian Labor Churches — Editorial 
in The Missionary Revieiv of the World 183 

Use "Smith and Wessons." — Chicago Tri- 
bune 183 

United Lutheran Church in America. ... 184 

Obituary : 

Rev. Mathew C. Ranseen 185 

Rev. J esse W. Brooks 185 

Ouija Will Fill Asylums. — Chicago Her- 
ald-Examiner 186 

News of Our Work : 

Masonic Propaganda in Kansas, by 

Rev. J. P. Aurelius 186 

Moody Bible Institute, Rev. A. Ft 

Leaman 187 

Thanks Acknowledged, Harry G. Griaut 187 
Eastern Secretary's Report, Rev. W. B. 

Stoddard 187 

"Lizzie Woods' Letter," Mrs. L. W. 

Roberson 189 

Cast Out of Synagogue, J. M. Thomp- 
son 190 

Kind Words from Friends 191 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 

Vice-President, Rev. Wm. B. Rose. 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. L 
Phillips. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

Walter Wietzke, A. W. SaiTord, G. W. 
Hylkema, Wm. P. Ferries, J. R. Shaf- 
fer, G. W. Bond, M. P. F. Doermann, 
A. H. Leaman, C. A. Blanchard, George 
Slager and Thos. C. McKnight. 

LECTURERS. 

Those desiring lectures or addresses 
may write to any of the speakers named 
below : 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 
Falls Church, Virginia 

Rev. Adam Murrman, Slatington, Pa. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 
Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24th 
St., Argenta, Ark. 

Pres. C. A. Blanchard, Wheaton, 111 



There is none 
other Name- 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
saved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus answerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have I 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 



THE THREEFOLD DELIVERANCE. 

BY REV. JAMES M. GRAY, D. D. 

Who delivered us from so great a death, and 
doth deliver: in whom zve trust that he will 

yet deliver us. — 2 Cor. 1:10. 

God hath delivered me, 

His Son on Calvary 

Bore my iniquity, 
And I am free ! 

God doth deliver me, 
Giving me victory 
And blest security, 
Keeping me free ! 

God will deliver me, 
And through eternity 
Serving Him joyfully, 
I shall be free! 

Glory and praise shall be. 
Adorable Trinity, 
Now and continually. 
Offered to Thee! 
(Copyrighted, The Su7iday School Times.) 



WORLD WAR ORDER ORGANIZED. 

Detroit, Mich., Sept. 9. — Organization 
of the MiHtary Order of the World War 
was completed here today by the adop- 
tion of a constitution and selection of 
officers. The nev^^ order, a consolidation 
of the American Officers of the Great 
War and other bodies, is open to all 
commissioned men who served in the 
United States or associated armies in the 
world war. 

The constitution follows closely that 
of the American Legion. It declares for 
a consistent military policy by the United 
States and prohibits political activity 
within the order. — Chicago Daily Nczcs, 
Sept. 9, 1920. 



If a man has nothing to re])roach him- 
self with, he can bear anything. — Phil- 
lips Brooks. 



The man who loves home best, and 
loves it most unselfishly, loves his coun- 
try best- — J. G. Holland. 



THE NEED OF THE PRESENT HOUR 
IN OUR REFORM. 

PRESIDENT, CHARLES A. r.LANCHARD, 

WHEATON COLLEGE. 

I. 

There is a divine unity in goodness, 
and a satanic unity in evil. Every 
righteous cause joins hands with every 
other righteous cause. Whatever does 
good is a friend of all other good things. 
All evils are akin. They are from the 
same source, and they tend to the same 
end. 

There is a spiritual gravitation in 
human hearts which infallibly draws a 
man in the direction of his dominant 
choice. In place of its being true that 
men are neither all good nor all evil, it 
is the fact that they cannot ultimately 
be anything else. Of course, harvest is 
not gathered the day the seed is sown. 
In spiritual things as in things material 
time is required for producing fruit ; but 
in the end, the man who consen.ts to one 
sin, consents to all other sins, and the 
nian who insists with himself one right- 
eousness, must be righteous throughout. 

This is the explanation of our Lord's 
command, "Be ye therefore perfect." If 
a man is not willing to be perfect, he is 
not willing to be riglit at all. A failure 
to comprehend this simple principle is the 
explanation of the sin and sorrow and 
shame of the world. 

No man intends to be all bad. He 
intends to be just a little foolish, or a 
little wrong ; but he will find that in order 
to do wrong a little he will be required to 
be vvron^ altogether. ..And it is also a 



164 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



blessed fact that when he insists with 

himself on integrit}' in any one particnhr. 

he mnst end by being right throughout. 

IL 

This fact which we have been con- 
templating leads us to understand that 
the needs in one good cause are likely 
to be the same as the needs in other 
good causes. The present need in our 
reform is the present need in all reforms. 
Our nation, the w^orld, is in a certain 
condition, certain iniquities prevail, cer- 
tain injustices are done, certain miseries 
result, and there comes a cry for reform. 
We hear it in every political gathering; 
it is echoed in every religious assembly ; 
all students of social conditions insist 
upon it. And there are certain condi- 
tions essential if it is to come. They 
will be found to be the same in all direc- 
tions. 

Political corruption, the trade in strong 
drink, industrial abuses, commercial 
wrongs, religious defects, all root in the 
same soil ; all are to be removed, if at 
all, in the same way. What promotes 
righteousness in one side of a man's 
character will promote righteousness 
throughout ; and what begins or per- 
petuates evil in one section of a man's 
nature will destroy it entirely. 

When, therefore, we ask what is the 
present need in our reform, we ask what 
is the present need in all reform. This is 



us to a comprehension of ^he dignity of 
our movement, and its far reaching re- 
sults. 

III. 

The present need in our reform is 
righteousness. If we can have that, then 
all the evils we complain of will be re- 
moved, and all the beneficent and help- 
ful results which we seek will be attained. 

Sin is the comprehensive evil ; holiness 
is the comprehensive virtue. We want 
to get rid of the one ; we need to attain 
to and grow into the other. 



Senators and representatives bargain, 
buy and sell themselves and other peo- 
ple, because they are godless men. Of- 
ficers and directors of insurance com- 
panies steal on the right hand, and on 
the left, under forms of law or outside 
of them, because they are godless men. 
If they were godly men, they would not 
do so ; but as long as they are godless 
they will do something of the sort. Some 
will do one thing, and some another, but 
all will do evil. 

Laboring men make plans to increase, 
their own wages, without reference to 
the rights of employers, or their fellow 
workers ; and they maim or kill those 
who interfere with their plans, — because 
they are godless men. Men who run 
saloons, gambling dens, lodges, race 
tracks, houses of ill fame, and other cen- 
ters of moral ruin carry on their deadly 
trades because they are at heart alien 
from God. If they were like Him they 
would cjuit their business; they would 
spend their time, their thought, their 
strength on enterprises which would 
make men healthful in body, clear in 
mind, and pure in heart. They would 
engage in efforts for making homes 
happy, husbands more considerate and 
gentle, wives more kindly and helpful, 
children more reverent and obedient. 
IV. 

We see, therefore, that the present 
need in our reform, and in all reforms 
is for the rooting out of sin in human 
hearts, and for the establishing of holi- 
ness in its place. Until this is done 
there may be a change in the form of 
sin, but there will be no helpful living. A 
particular evil demon may go out ; but 
unless the Holy Spirit comes in, by and 
by he will return, and he will bring with 
him seven other spirits more vile than 
himself, and they will enter into that 
man and abide there. 

Our problem then, is the old problem, 
— How can we get men to cease from 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



165 



sinning, and to lay hold on life eternal, 
that is upon Jesus Christ, that is upon 
true holiness of character? This ac- 
complished will do the whole work. 
Without this, there may be a great deal 
of scurrying about, but nothing of 
permanent value will be accomplished. 

V. 

There is no new way to drive sin out 
of human hearts, and establish righteous- 
ness therein. The old, old method is the 
only method. ''There is none other name 
under heaven, given among men where- 
by we must be saved" from lodgism, 
saloonism, social corruptions, political 
corruptions, intemperances, unkindnesses, 
dishonesties, and any other evil things 
that are in human hearts; that is the 
name of Jesus Christ. We must, there- 
fore, get men to receive Him. If we 
can do this, all is well ; if we cannot do 
it, we cannot do anything. Let us 
examine the matter somewhat in detail. 
We Need a More Devoted Ministry. 

What is the reason that in our day men 
do not accept Jesus Christ? What is 
the reason that our public men, and men 
in private positions are so largely god- 
less, even when they are not openly im- 
moral ? 

I believe that we cannot possibly free 
the ministry from fault here. "The 
word of God is quick and powerful," it 
"pierces even to the dividing asunder of 
soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the 
thoughts and intents of the heart." This 
is the weapon which the ministry is tc 
use. When rightly used, for two thou- 
sand years it has accomplished this re- 
sult. Is it accomplishing this in a large 
way today? I do not believe that it is. 
If not, it is because the weapon is not 
used. Either it is not known, or it is 
not wielded ; or it is wielded by unclean 
lic.nds. In different cases any one of 
these three paralyzing forces may 
operate. 



Many sermons are notable for the 
entire absence of Scripture. Many ser- 
mons use the Scripture, but in narrow 
lines. The denunciations of idolatry, of 
Sabbath breaking, of dishonesty, which 
occupy the prophets, and apostles, and 
Jesus Himself, are never heard in them. 
It is not strange that there are no results. 

We Need More Consistent Church 
Members. 

Xor can we exempt the membership 
of our churches from fault in this matter. 
Professing Christians in our day are so 
occupied on the one hand with money 
getting, and on the other hand with pleas- 
ure seeking that many of them have little 
or no time for God's work. They do not 
read the Bible, they do not pray, they 
do not speak to their own relatives, to 
their friends, their neighbors or their em- 
ployees on the subject of religion. 

]\Iany of them live Christian lives so 
far as blamelessness is concerned. They 
are honest, upright, kind and true, but 
they take no pains to extend to others 
the gospel truth which has made them 
wdiat they are. In the early Church the 
common Christians went everywhere, 
preaching the word. The result was 
that nations were evangelized almost in 
a day. I do not think that there has 
ever been a revival since where the same 
thing did not occur. Sometimes it comes 
first, sometimes it comes second ; but it 
ahvays comes. 

My impression is that most revixals in 
our times begin with the ministry. They 
become convicted of their selfishness, 
envy, jealousy, pride, ease-loving, self- 
seeking, and they humble themselves be- 
fore God. The Word of God in their 
mouths takes on new power ; their ser- 
mons are different from what they have 
been. The result is that the truth takes 
hold of the hearts of the people, and the 
people are convicted of their sins in turn. 
They go about God's work ; they cease 
to be idlers in His vineyard; they stop 



166 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



laying up treasures on earth ; they begin 
laying up treasures in heaven ; they begin 
praying, they pray for other people, and 
they pray with them. And so the blessed 
tire goes on. So far as this extends, it 
burns away worldliness, it burns up in- 
temperance, it burns up the taste in men 
for lodgism, it makes politicians honest, 
it makes merchants honest, it makes 
laboring men honest — it renovates so- 
ciety. That is what the Lord intended 
it to do. 

If we could have these two things 
our reform would be advanced, and all 
other reforms would be advanced at the 
same time. It will not be of the slight- 
est value for us to say or think hard 
things about sinners. Most of them are 
conscious, in a blind, half way, of their 
degradation and their needs, but they do 
not know how to improve. They cjues- 
tion in their hearts whether we have any- 
thing better than they have. If we live 
outwardly righteous lives they wonder 
whether we are at heart any different 
from themselves ; but when we draw 
near to God, and He draws near to us, 
when His word becomes our joy and 
strength, our meditation day and night, 
when we pray always, when we "pray 
without ceasing," when we are sanctified 
by the truth, then these poor blind men, 
starving amid the swine and desiring 
even the husks they eat, begin to look 
about them ; they wonder whether or 
not it would be possible for them to get 
what they see us have. 

We Need More Study of the "Word; More 

Prayer; More Liberality, and More 

of the Holy Spirit. 

I conclude, dear friends, and brothers, 
by saying that the present need of our 
reform is for a revival of holy living 
among ourselves, for a closer walk with 
God, for more complete separation from 
the world. 

It is a verv blessed fact that tliis is so, 



for it puts the whole thing into our own 
hands. If the present need of our re- 
form were for a million dollars, we might 
not be able to secure it. If the present 
need of our reform were for the patron- 
age of those whom the world calls great, 
we might not be able to secure it, — we 
probably could not. If the present need 
for our reform were that it should be- 
come popular w^ith social leaders, become 
a fad, like card parties, and theatre par- 
ties, and dancing parties, or other worldly 
things of that sort, we should probably 
not secure it. People who like those 
things do not care for reforms like ours. 
They are lovers of pleasure, more than 
lovers of God. 

But it is not so. The word is near to 
us, even in our own hearts, and in our 
mouths, that if we draw near to God He 
will draw near to us. That if we cease 
from sinning, cease from our pride, from 
our desire for the glory of men, if we 
cease from our struggle after money, 
after land, after houses, after the praises 
of men; and if we content ourselves with 
God, and if we receive the Holy Spirit, 
Whom He is so desirous to bestow, then 
our reform w^ill be advanced, our own 
children will be kept out from these 
snares and traps and pitfalls of Satan, 
which are called lodges, courts, camps, 
etc., etc. ; our employees will be enlight- 
ened, and they will be led to prefer the 
prayer room to the lodge room, and the 
Word of God to the vain babble of men. 
They will see things as they are, and will 
desire that things should be as they 
ought. They will be willing to sacrifice, 
if need be, to make them so, to suffer 
the loss of all things that they may win 
Christ. 

Then our reform, and all reforms will 
be advanced. May God grant to us hu- 
mility, and courage and faithfulness that 
we may not fail regarding this great duty 
of the present hour 



October. 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



167 



JINIIIillllllllinilllMllilllMrilMMIIMIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIMMIIIIIIIIIJillillillllllMinirnrmUUMIIIIIIIIIIIILIt!: 



The Question of the Hour 



By E. E. FLAGG 

AUTHOR OF 
'Holden With Cords." 



'TlllllllllllllllilMlllllllilllllllllllUinillillllllllllEitlllllllllMIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIilllllilllllllllMllliilliihT 

We cannot safely ignore the least important of the many evils now threatening so- 
ciety, for as a certain French writer very truly observes, "Errors are always friends and 
ready for a mutual embrace." It always is in the closeness of that embrace that the 
secret of their strength lies, and only when Christians unite in one combined onset 
against all evil, shall we see national reform inaugurated on a permanent basis. 



CHAPTER I. 
A Son of the Puritans. 

His birthplace was an old-fashioned 
farmhouse among the New Hampshire 
hills ; his parents an equally old-fashioned 
couple who believed in keeping the Sab- 
bath, doing right by their neighbors and 
opposing evil wherever they found it. 
This uncompromising type of Christian- 
ity, in the case of the Howlands, seemed 
to be hereditary, descending from father 
to son in true apostolic succession. The 
Howland from whom the family dated 
its beginning was a Puritan clergyman, 
who, falling under the ban of the Star 
Chamber a few years before King 
Charles lost his head, sought for liberty 
of conscience in the colonies ; but for all 
practical purposes of this history we 
need not go farther back than Josiah 
Howland, the sixth in lineal descent ; a 
plain, hard-working son of the soil, a 
good farmer and a good citizen, but with 
nothing about him that distinguished him 
to common eyes from the great mass of 
his fellow-men. 

Though the family line boasted one or 
two judges, to say nothing of a score of 
ministers and deacons, Josiah Howland 
had never seemed to feel any earthly am- 
bition beyond the desire to raise good 
crops and stand well with the world. He 
read much, especially his Bible ; prayed 
much and talked little. He never sought 
office, nor did office come to him ; his 
voice was never heard in town meetings 
or caucuses, yet it was a common ex- 
pression with his neighbors that "though 
Josiah Howland never seems to say or 
do much, there isn't another man in the 
township that would be missed more," — 
which is, after all, the highest tribute that 
can be paid to any of us when we leave 
our earthly places vacant forever. 



He had married early in life his sec- 
ond cousin, Phoebe Howland, a woman 
who combined with sound common sense 
and great practical energy of character, a 
deep, almost mystical type of piety. Had 
her lot been cast among the Quakers she 
might have developed into a female 
preacher, but rather being born among 
those whose traditions and practice were 
all against a woman's voice being heard 
in any public assembly, the gift was 
stifled without anybody's suspecting its 
existence. Still, she w^as considered an 
uncommon girl ; and when, instead of 
marrying a minister or foreign mission- 
ary, she quietly united her lot for better 
or worse with a plain farmer, many peo- 
ple laid her choice to oddity ; but Phcebe 
had no more of this than is common to 
human nature. The fact was she had a 
very keen spiritual insight and saw 
what other people did not see — that Jo- 
siah Howland, slow of speech and with 
none of the varnish of the universities 
upon him, had the soul of one of Clod's 
princes who walk the earth encompassed 
with an invisible royalty. 

Such a couple would not fail to give 
their children religious training, and the 
best education their means could afford. 
One of their sons, at the time our story 
begins, was pastor of a small country 
church, while the second was teaching, 
with prospects of a professorship. But 
the youngest boy, Stephen, was a secret 
disappointment to both their hearts, espe- 
cially his mother's. She had rejoiced 
with trembling over his queer, wise say- 
ings when a little child, his strange ques- 
tionings into the infinite mysteries of the 
life beyond, seeing in every new sign of 
spiritual precocity, that made old gossips 
shake their heads with lugubrious pro- 
phecies of an early grave, only another 



168 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



gracious indication that the Lord had 
heard her prayer as he did Hannah's, 
and her youngest and favorite son might 
vet prove a second Samuel called of God 
from his birth. He had passed an exem- 
plary boyhood and youth without the 
sowing of a single crop of wild oats, but 
when it came to the choice of a profes- 
sion, instead of treading in the steps of 
his elder brother, he shattered all her 
motherly dreamings and sorely con- 
founded his father by declaring his in- 
tention to be a lawyer. 

Now this good Puritan farmer had 
about as poor an opinion of lawyers as is 
anyway consistent with Christian charity. 
He believed that, like the Cretans of old, 
they were "always liars," busybodies, 
meddling with other men's matters, keep- 
ing up quarrels between friends and 
neighbors just to fill their own pockets, 
and browbeating bewildered witnesses till 
they were ready to say black was white 
and white was black. Did not even the 
Bible say, "Woe unto you lawyers"? 

But Stephen had fortified himself be- 
forehand against all probable and im- 
probable objections to his chosen career. 
He reminded his father that the Scrip- 
tures made honorable mention of "Zenas 
the lawyer" ; that even if these things 
were all true of the profession generally, 
the more need that good men should en- 
ter its ranks ; that, for himself, he would 
not stoop to any mean pettifoggery to 
win the most important case ; that he 
meant to be always on the side of justice, 
the champion of the weak and oppressed 
against the powerful and strong; he 
quoted the resounding and classical 
words of Hooper : "Law hath her seat in 
the bosom of God" ; and, in short, he 
argued the matter with a skill and fluency 
that promised great things for his future 
clients, and even staggered Mr. Josiah 
Howland not a little. 

He put some more wood into the 
kitchen stove, over which he was sitting, 
and by that time he recovered the ideas 
which had been nearly swept away in the 
rush of his son's eloquence ; very old- 
fashioned ideas they were, and obtained 
from a very old-fashioned book, but not 
yet obsolete in the quiet hill districts of 
New England. 

"Now, Stephen, I want you to be an 



honest man, and then I don't care what 
else you are. I don't care how rich, or 
how smart, or how famous anybody is 
that ain't honest, and it's next to im- 
possible to be an honest lawyer. It may 
be there are some that are, but it is like 
the camel going through the needle's eye, 
or the rich man entering heaven — a hard 
rub. To be sure, the Bible tells us that 
what is impossible with men is possible 
with God. But we ain't to be presump- 
tuous. Because a thing is possible with 
God is no reason why we should always 
reckon on his doing it for us." 

There was an unpolished logic in the 
words of the elder Howland which the 
younger found it hard to gainsay, but he 
had as yet advanced only a little way 
in that knowledge which an old heathen 
has somewhere declared to be the highest 
a man can acquire — "know thyself." So 
he accepted his father's last remark with 
some slight amendments — that because a 
thing was impossible with the majority of 
men, it by no means followed that it was 
not very possible and easy with Stephen 
Howland. 

"Well, father, I must say as I have 
said before, I don't see why a really hon- 
est man should find it difficult to keep his 
honesty under any circumstances. The 
world needs lawyers, .and the question is, 
what kind it shall have. Shall we leave it 
to the base and tricky to expound our na- 
tional and State laws? to defend the in- 
nocent and unmask the guilty? to sit in 
the places of Story, and Wirt, and Mar- 
shall ? Shall we have jurists on the 
bench, or charlatans?" 

"I've had my say, Stephen. You've 
got my mind about it," was his father's 
only response to this grandly sounding 
speech. "Now it is time we heard your 
mother's." 

Mrs. Phoebe Howland had not joined 
in the debate, and even at this direct ap- 
peal continued her work of paring and 
coring apples as if she had not heard it 
at all. One who did not know her would 
have thought her indifferent to the sub- 
ject ; but the truth was she was a woman 
who never spoke hastily when any im- 
portant matter was under discussion, and 
the more deeply her personal feelings 
were engaged, either pro or con, as in the 
present instance, the more firmly did she 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



169 



hold by the rule which in her girlhood 
she had written out -with a list of other 
resolutions by which to guide her daily 
conduct. It ran as follows: ''Resolved, 
when my mind is not clear on any point 
affecting another's duty, never to open 
my lips until I feel that God has given 
me something to say." No wonder that 
in her family this Puritan woman was 
queen, sybil, prophetess ; that there was 
a deep, sweet gravity in her lightest 
speech, as of one who lived in the con- 
stant hearing of heavenly oracles. 

So father and son- waited, the one in 
reverential, the other in eager silence. 
Five, ten minutes passed, and but for the 
monotonous leaping of the quarters of 
apple into the bright tin pan in her lap, it 
would have been still enough for a 
Quaker meeting. Then she spoke : 

"It may be, father, that God has called 
Stephen to be a lawyer, and what are we 
that we should withstand his voice? I 
only want him to be fully persuaded in 
his own mind." 

The point was settled. This Puritan 
couple, with their simple honesty, their 
unworldly faith in God and each other, 
had solved the vexed question of house- 
hold supremacy without quarreling with 
either Peter or Paul. Mrs. Phoebe How- 
land believed implicitly that her husband 
was the best man in the world, and 
though she had all the refinement and 
most of the book knowledge, she gloried 
in the rough-barked oak. Mr. Josiah 
Rowland, on his part, looked on 
"mother" as a superior being who held 
constant communion with the unseen and 
the eternal ; he followed reverently in the 
path of her lightest opinion, and would 
1 o more have thought of calling in ques- 
t on anything she said after one of those 
long, sacred "silences," than Dante would 
have thought of contending with Beatrice 
c'bout the right road to Paradise. 

It was under these circumstances that 
Stephen became a student in the law 
office of Judge Howland, a distant rela- 
tive of his father's, where he remained 
the customary period ; then, a ful]-fledc:ed 
young barrister, he opened a tiny office 
in a new-made Western city, him<? out lii ; 
sign, and waited for fortune to chance 
that way. 



CHAPTER IL 

In Which the Reader Is Shown a Religion 

That Is Better Than Christianity. 

Stephen Howland was waiting for 
clients with what patience he could 
muster one raw, cloudy, chilly day, when 
he heard the w^elcome sound of feet paus- 
ing at his door, and a stranger entered 
who wanted a deed drawn up. 

Even so trifling a job as the drawing 
u]) of a legal paper the young attorney 
did not consider despicable at the present 
low ebb in his affairs and spirits. So 
he proceeded at once to write the re- 
quired instrument. The stranger, whose 
name was put therein as Felix Basset, 
had apparently reached five and forty, 
was good-looking, well dressed, and 
agreeable ; a man evidently on the best 
possible terms with himself, as could be 
seen by the air of self-possession with 
which he took a seat and let his eye roam 
over the rather meagre appointments of 
the little office, in a way that seemed to 
render superfluous any answer to his 
careless inquiry, "How goes business 
with you, Mr. Howland?" 

T haven't been troubled with any rush 
of clients as yet," returned Stephen, 
rather dryly. 

"Well, 1 suppose not. A lawyer's prac- 
tice is like Rome. It can't be built up in 
a day. But some men make a life- job 
of success, and never get fairly onto their 
feet. I don't believe in that, because I 
think there is no need of it. We are fast 
learning the truth that mankind are 
brothers, and as a consequence there are 
organizations in every city and town 
founded on this idea, and anybody that 
wants to get on in the world should join 
one of these. Now, I started in life with 
scarcely a dollar in my pocket, and I shall 
always say that I owe more of my suc- 
cess in business to having joined the Odd 
Fellows than to all other causes com- 
bined." 

Stephen only said. "Indeed !" but ]\Ir. 
h^lix Basset was too full of his subject to 
need any other encouragement to go on. 

"Yes; I consider Odd-Fellowship by 
all odds tlie l:»est order that a young man 
can enter. It is a system of the most 
rigid morality as well as the most perfect 
benevolence. It is even better in some 
respects than the church itself." 

Stephen had grown up with that idea 



170 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



of the Christian church which still pre- 
vails in some guileless souls, as the pure 
and spotless Bride, clothed with the sun 
and crowned with stars ; persecuted, yet 
full of divine vitality that could triumph 
over all the fury of her dragon foe ; be- 
fore whose mighty tread every idol 
should fall, every superstition crumble, 
every wrong flee away, and the reno- 
vated, purified earth become once more a 
fit dwelling-place for Eternal Love. It 
was no wonder then that he gave a little 
start, and fixed his eyes inquiringly on 
Mr. Basset. Both movements were ob- 
served by that gentleman, who made 
haste accordingly to define his opinions 
with more strictness. 

"I see you are surprised to hear me 
say so, but it is the truth, and the truth 
ought to be spoken even when it cuts the 
WTong way. The Odd-Fellows take care 
of their sick and poor. What does the 
church do for hers ? Why, in nine cases 
out of ten she just lets them alone to 
sufifer and die, or be thrown on pi;blic 
charity. It is a fact that I have heard 
more than one minister say, both of 
Masonry and Odd-fellowship, precisely 
what I am saying now, that they accom- 
plish more good than the churches do." 

"I suppose these two orders bear con- 
siderable resemblance to each other," ob- 
served Stephen, both for the purpose of 
saying something, and because he really 
had a vague idea that such was the case. 

"Oh, no ; they are independent organ- 
izations, entirely separate in everything. 
A man can join both if he chooses, and so 
get a double benefit. Now a member of 
the lodge where I belong is not only an 
Odd-Fellow, but a Mason, a Knight of 
Pythias, a Good Templar, and I know 
not what besides. But I don't believe in 
joining so many orders. Odd-Fellowship 
contains enough to satisfy me, and it 
ought to any reasonable man." 

Now it must be confessed that Stephen 
Howdand had an undefined suspicion of 
anything Masonic. He remembered, 
w'hen a boy, eating his luncheon with his 
father one hot day under the shade of 
the big oak in the south pasture, inquir- 
ing between the savory bites of dough- 
nuts and cheese, ''Father, what is Free- 
masonry?" 

"It is a bad thing, Stephen, bad clear 



through. I hope you'll never have any- 
thing to do with it." 

"But what makes it bad, father?" per- 
sisted the boy, whose young curiosity was 
fully aroused. 

"Why, the terrible oaths they have to 
take, for one thing. There used to be a 
little book with a blue cover up in the 
attic, when I was a boy, that had thetm 
all written out, and the signs, and grips, 
and everything." 

"Do you know where that book is 
now?" asked Stephen, eagerly. 

"Hain't a notion. I suppose it got 
scattered along with the other things 
when we broke up after father died." 

"But why do they have to take such 
oaths?" inquired Stephen, going on with 
his catechising. 

"That's a question, now," said the elder 
Howland, ruminatively. "Folks ain't 
generally to all that pains to cover up 
good deeds, and this is one great reason 
w^hy I have always stood to it that 
Masonry must be bad. They say that if a 
man takes these oaths and then lets out 
the secrets he is liable to lose his life, 
and if that is so it is an institution only 
fit for thieves and murderers. I don't 
suppose there's a doubt but what they 
murdered William Morgan out in west- 
ern New York for writing that little book 
I told you of. They took him out in a 
boat at night and drowned him in the 
river. This was something that hap- 
pened before my day, but father used to 
tell about it. It's queer now that there 
ain't anything about it in the school his- 
tories. There ought to be, for it made an 
awful excitement all over the country, so 
that the lodge went down everywhere 
and men were ashamed or afraid to own 
they ever had been Masons. Somehow 
the thing had a big tap root, and it beats 
all how it has started up again. But I 
tell you, Stephen, don't you ever join the 
Masons. It is no place for an honest 
man." 

So believed this worthy New Englan- 
der, this Puritan of many generations, 
and so according to his best knowledge 
and belief did he teach his twelve-year- 
old son, whose mind, accustomed to con- 
sider the taking of human life as the most 
dreadful crime in the catalogue, was filled 
with horror at these revelations. So far 
and no farther could Josiah Howland 



October. 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



171 



throw his red light of warning. It is 
true that on general principles he was 
opposed to the lesser secret orders, but in 
his eyes Masonry was the Moses' rod 
that swallowed up all the others, leaving 
him with a merely negative opinion about 
them as of something foolish, but not so 
absolutely bad and mischievous as to need 
any special combating. Thus it was that 
Stephen, as soon as Mr. Basset assured 
him that Odd-fellowship had no connec- 
tion with Masonry, felt a sudden revul- 
sion of his previous prejudices, and was 
perfectly willing to hear more about it. 

'T am glad to know I was mistaken in 
supposing them to be alike," he said, after 
a moment's pause. "The fact is — I may 
as well say it — I have heard some things 
about Masonry not at all to my taste." 

"O, you will find that Odd-fellowship 
has nothing in it to trouble the tenderest 
conscience," returned Mr. Basset, with 
easy cheerfulness. "It requires no oath 
of its members, only a simple obligation. 
Between ourselves," he continued, with 
an air of mingled confidence and candor, 
"there are objectionable features about 
Masonry. I don't m.ind saying so, and 
this is why I recommend Odd-fellowship 
so highly. It has all the advantages of 
Masonry, and none of its drawbacks. 
Here you are a stranger in a strange 
place. You need friends who will stand 
by you if you are sick or in trouble, and 
be interested in your obtaining a prac- 
tice. Now this is just where Odd-fel- 
lowship fulfills the divine law better than 
the churches do : T was a stranger and 
ye took me in, naked and ye clothed me, 
sick and in prison and ye visited me." 
That is the kind of religion that men un- 
derstand." 

Now in Mr. Felix Basset's coat pocket 
reposed at that very moment a small 
volume brimful of instructive facts for 
all good Odd-fellows, one of them being 
stated as follows: "Chinese, l^olynesians, 
Indians, half-breeds or mixed bloods are 
not eligible to membership!" And if any 
earnest seeker after the truth as it is in 
Odd- fellowship had looked still deeper 
into its pages they might have learned 
that not only were these classes excluded, 
but all men of African descent, all women 
— none, in short, being admitted but the 
free, white males ; while even of this 
favored class the deaf, dumb, and blind, 



the aged and poor, the halt and lame, 
might as well, for all their hopes of ever 
sharing in the exhaustless stream of 
Odd-fellow beneficence, have been Chi- 
nese coolies, or negroes whose shoulders 
still bore the marks of the overseer's 
whip. 

But it is the tendency of human na- 
ture to like the sound of certain words. 
Men have thrown up their caps and 
shouted themselves hoarse at the name of 
Liberty, while her most devoted sons 
were gasping in dungeons or expiring on 
the scaffold. And Charity, with many 
people, is almost as potent a watchword. 
They swear by her name and sound 
trumpets in her honor at the very mo- 
ment that she wanders outcast, fright- 
ened away by the noise and blare, Ste- 
phen Rowland believed in mutual help- 
fulness. He had a generous nature, and 
was, besides, in that situation which is 
least calculated to nurture any proud in- 
dependence of one's fellow-beings. He 
considered Mr. Basset very kind and 
friendly, and felt grateful accordingly; 
and though he could not yet see that it 
was both his duty and privilege to become 
an Odd-fellow with all convenient speed, 
he was willing enough to think about it. 

"Now there are some people," resumed 
Mr. Basset, "wdiose idea of Odd-fellow- 
ship is just a mutual benefit society and 
nothing else. But that is a very wrong 
impression. The material good it does 
is the least part of it. The fact is it is a 
great moral and religious teacher, and 
above all it is a temperance order. Now 
that is a subject in which everybody 
ought to feel interested. The crime and 
misery caused by the rum traffic is 
frightful to contemplate — perfectlv ter- 
rible." 

"It is indeed," answered Stephen, feel- 
ingly, for he had been educated in the 
strictest doctrines of temperance. He 
believed that the legalized sale of in- 
toxicating liquors was the curse and 
shame of our Christian civilization ; that 
it was the solemn and bounden duty of 
every man, woman and child to organize 
and fight to the death the monster Al- 
cohol ; that it was the old medieval battle 
between St. George and the dragon acted 
over again in the living issues of today ; 
and he had even dreamed of grand and 
heroic deeds that his own right hand 



172 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



might some day perform in this warfare. 
]\Ir. Felix Basset could hardly have 
touched a more responsive chord. 

'T am a very strong temperance man 
myself," continued that gentleman, "and 
though I think the Good Templars and 
other similar orders are very useful, I 
really believe there is no better organiza- 
tion to promote the cause than Odd-fel- 
lowship rightly understood. You see it 
is just this way," — and here Mr. Basset 
lowered his voice with the air of one 
about to impart information on a deep 
and profound subject — "everybody 
don't understand, not even the ma- 
jority of the members themselves, 
that, as its teachings are based on 
the broad foundation of universal 
truth, , and the greater always in- 
cludes the less, it follows that they must 
in the nature of things cover all truth 
that humanity needs to know. Consid- 
ered in that light it is, as I said, a tem- 
perance order — nothing less, and every 
one who enters it stands committed to 
prohibition principles. But to come back 
to the subject we started on; I believe in 
the church. I have been a member fif- 
teen years, and I assert that no single 
church has a sphere wide enough to do 
all the charitable and benevolent work 
that the world needs done. An Odd- 
fellow who lives up to the requirements 
of the order can't help being a good 
Christian, though as a matter of actual 
practice it is with Odd-fellowship just as 
it is in the church, inconsistency even 
among the best." 

Mr. Basset sighed, though whether for 
the inconsistencies of church members or 
lodge members, or both, was not quite ap- 
parent ; and, after a moments silence, he 
paid the young attorney's modest fee, and 
left him to his own reflections, which 
amounted substantially to this: that an 
institution which could thus combine a 
man's interest for both worlds must be 
a good thing, and if clients did not come 
in any faster, he, Stephen Rowland, 
w^ould be standing very much in his own 
light not to heed the advice so freely and 
disinterestedly given. 

(To be continued.) 



FORESTERS OF AMERICA. 

Information has been requested con- 
cerning the ''Foresters of America" 
which had an independent existence in 
this country for about thirty years. It 
was formerly affiliated with the Ancient 
Order of Foresters of England. It has 
practically, we believe, four different de- 
grees. The second degree constitutes a 
semi-military or uniform body among 
this order of Foresters. The third de- 
gree is especially designed for sociability. 
The fourth degree, "Companions of the 
Forest," is confined to Foresters and 
women relatives- and friends. 

The ritual brings in Robin Hood, a 
well-known English character. Events 
in biblical history relative to the Garden 
of Eden are touched upon in the ritual. 

The Junior Foresters of America is 
confined to youths from twelve to 
eighteen years of age. 

Its primary objects are to provide sick 
and funeral benefits for members and 
to contribute to their moral and mate- 
rial welfare. Only white men from 
eighteen to fifty years of age with good 
moral character, sound in health and 
body, and A BELIEF IN A SUPREME 
BEING, are received as members. The 
second Sunday in June is the Foresters 
Memorial Day. 

There is a close relationship as near 
as we can determine between all of the 
different orders of Foresters — some 
twelve in number. The only Forester 
^itual which we have is ''The United 
Order of Foresters," formerly known as 
"The Independent Order of Foresters." 



"He who cannot forgive others is 
breaking the bridge by which he himself 
will need to pass." 



GREAT COUNCIL OF RED MEN. 

The Great Council of the United States 
of the Improved Order of Red Men 
convened on Monday, September 13, 
1920, in Des Moines. 

Red Men Playing Murder. 

"The First Sannap, beholding the cap- 
tive rushed toward him, with uplifted 
knife, but is intercepted by the Junior 
Sagamore, who says, Hold, Senior! Our 
warriors and braves have decided that 
the captive shall be tortured at the 
stake." 

"Warriors, seize your prisoner ! Bind 
him to the stake !" 

The Senior Sagamore commands the 
"Braves," "Prepare your keenest scalp- 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



173 



ing knives and your weightiest war clubs. 
"Warriors, prepare for the execution. 

Braves, make ready and pile high the 

fagots,"- etc., etc. 

— Extracts from the initiation ceremon- 
ies of the Order of Red Men. 



On the cover page of the same issue, 
Walter D. Murphy, Supreme Secretary 
of said organization, Columbus, Ohio, 
mentions that the U. C. T. is a ''secret 
fraternal order." Thus we have it from 
their own statements that this lodge, like 




PETRIFIED TREE TRUNK, PETRI F 

(Courtesy, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fc 

UNITED COMMERCIAL TRAVELERS. 

This is the name given to a lodge es- 
pecially established for traveling sales- 
men. 

Its official organ is "The Sample Case" 
published monthly at Mount Morris, Illi- 
nois, and having an approximate circula- 
tion of 96,000. 

From the September 1920 issue of the 
said magazine we take the following: 

''Fraternity, like religion, should be a 
part of our daily lives, and not be brought 
out as a garment to be worn only in the 
lodge room. 

The beautiful lessons of our ritual will 
lead to broader, better citizenship, will 
make us better members of society, if we 
carry their teachings with us and prac- 
tice their precepts in our association with 
our fellow men. 

The obligation taken at the altar is a 
creed which embodies the Golden Rule, 
and the man or woman who lives up to 
its solemn vows is walking in the foot- 
steps of the great Teacher." 



I ED FOREST NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

Railway Co.) 

other lodges, is secret and imposes its 
obligations upon members, that it is also 
fraternal and beneficial, and striving to 
"walk in the footsteps of the Great 
Teacher f 

The insignia of this society is a sam- 
ple case suspended from a crescent with 
two chains, the letters U. C. T. being 
prominent. When this lodge parades the 
streets, "painting the town red," one 
would rather think they were a host 
from hell than following in the "foot- 
prints of the Great Teacher." 

B. M. Holt. 
Fargo, North Dakota. 



NATIONAL ASS'N OF TEACHERS 
BARS UNION WITH LABOR. 

Salt Lake City, Utah, July 6.— The 
National Education association's com- 
mission on the emergency in education 
made a clear cut recommendation against 
affiliation of teachers v>'ith any "religious; 
political, or economic groups," in a re- 
port presented today. 

The report, read by George D. Stray- 
er of Columbia university, said : "Teach- 
ers as a unit cannot federate with labor 



174 



CHRISTIAX CYNOSURE 



October. 1920. 



and at the same time hope to keep the 
coiitidence of the whole people." 

The question of aililiation of teachers' 
organizations with labor bodies brought 
a debate in the national coimcil of edu- 
cation, in which ^Irs. Susan Dorsey. 
superintendent of schools of Los Ange- 
les, referred to ^liss Margaret Haley of 
Chicago as a "soap box orator.'" 

— Cliicago Tribinic, July lo. 1920. 

A public school teacher is supported 
by public taxes from all the people, not 
from Labor Unions alone. The treat- 
ment of non-union men as "scabs" is a 
daily exhibition. Is it not titting for the 
"little scabs" to get a dose from the 
union teachers such as their associates 
give the children's fathers ? 

Teachers ought not to have special ob- 
ligations to a part of the people, when 
professedly serving all. The blood of 
murdered printers shed by the ]^IacXa- 
maras. and other labor unionists is on 
the skirts of the American Federation of 
Labor and public teachers will do well 
to keep their dresses free from such 
stains. The National Association of 
Teachers has decided wiselv. 



$2,000,000 BAHAI TEMPLE TO BE 
BUILT. 

Plans for the new S2.000.000 Bahai 
temple on the boundary line between Ev- 
anston and W'ilmette on Sheridan road 
( near Chicago ) . have been approved by 
the Bahai council in Xew York, and work 
on the new structure, delayed. at the out- 
break of the war. probably will be start- 
ed in the near future. 

The design for a nine sided structure 
of stone with a diameter of 22^ feet and 
a height of iSo feet, was made by Louis 
Bourgeois, a Xew York sculptor. Ac- 
cording to H. A'. ^^ligoligle. president of 
the Architects" league, the temple pre- 
sents the "first distinctlv new tvpe of 
architecture snice the htteenth century. 
— Chicago Tribune. July 15, 1920. 

The Babi-Bahai-Abbasism is "founded 
on the Bible" in the same sense that the 
Lodge. Christian Science. Russellism. 
Mormonism. etc.. are thus founded. 

Says the exponent of Babi-Bahaism 
here in Chicago. A. J. Stenstrand. "\\'e 
learn both from Babi-Bahaism and the 
Bible that the Evil One or Darkness was 
going to take possession of the Kingdom 



for a time."' See "Facts for Bahaists" 
PP- 33-35- But at last the Light of the 
Sun of Truth shall victoriouslv appear. 

It is our desire to call your attention 
to this new Devil's Temple being erected 
among us and which is to stand here 
along with the ]^Iasonic ^ledina. and the 
Morman Temples, as monuments of Sa- 
tan's power and present day glorv. 

Like every other such religion the 
Word of God or the Bible is to be in- 
terpreted by the Bahai books, such as 
"Key to the Heaven of tlie Bevan." 

August J. Stenstrand of Chicago seems 
to be making an effort to rehne the im- 
ported article from the far East. W'e 
quote the following from a circular is- 
sued by him in June 1917: 

"Since I wrote 'The Fourth Call of 
Attention to the Babists" I have received 
many letters from my Bahai friends, ask- 
ing me to explain more clearlv what 1 
believe and expect in the near future. 
And here is the answer that was issued: 
I believe that ]\Iirza Y'ahya Subh-i-Azal 
is the manifestation of the 'Bayan' or the 
'First Point.' Here he is represented in 
the Bible as the yotmg Lamb in the midst 
of the throne which was ready for sacri- 
tice. This is the ^lanifestation of his 
youthful days, and is called in the scrip- 
ture the 'Beginning' or the 'First Com- 
ing.' I believe also that ^lirza Y'ahya 
Subh-i-Azal is going to manifest him- 
self once more before he leaves this 
earth, to rebuild his 'Temple.' 'Body.' 
'Form." or 'Hykl.' which was crucified on 
a corrupt tree and destroyed. Here he 
is represented in the Bible as the secret 
sitter upon the throne whose head and 
hairs is white as snow. This is the ^lani- 
festation of his old age. and is called in 
the scripture the 'End' or the 'Second 
Coming.' I also believe that ^lirza Y'ahya 
Subh-i-Azal is the author of all the sa- 
cred writings in the Babi-Bahai-Abba- 
sism. and that they were corrupted by his 
adversaries the Bahaists as my little 
booklets are tr}-ing to prove. 

"I believe that ^lirza Y'ahya Subh-i- 
Azal is the 'A' and the 'Z'. the 'Begin- 
ning* and the 'End', the 'First* and the 
'Last', the 'Manifest' and the 'Hidden*." 

This explanation almost rivals in clear- 
ness ^lary Baker Eddy's "Health and 
Science" and belongs to the same class of 
literature. 



October. 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYXOSURh 



175 



WANT HANDS OFF FRATERNAL 

INSURANCE. 

Odd-Fellows Fear Government Control. 

Concerning the tendency of Govern- 
ment to increased surveillance over in- 
surance, the special committee of the S. 
G. L. should thoroughly inform them- 
selves as to the history of the recent ex- 
periences of the Manchester Unity, and 
also as to the indications in America. 

About ten years ago, a very far-reach- 
ing and most comprehensive enactment 
of the British Parliament brought all in- 
surance of whatever character under the 
absolute control of the "Insurance Com- 
mission of Great Britain," as we recall 
the title of the body constituted. The 
Manchester Unity had to elect either to 
qualify and accept direction of its assur- 
ance features by the commission, or ab- 
solutely discontinue everything of that 
nature. The Unity qualified and since 
has suffered the anomalous status of a 
fraternity receiving orders from without 
and practically deprived of sovereignty 
over interests of the highest im.portance 
to its integrity as an organization. 

Within another decade or two, the Or- 
der of Oddfellowship in America will 
be face to face with the same problem 
that the Manchester Unity had to meet 
some ten years ago. 

We shall be lacking indeed, in fore- 
sight, if we are not intelligently prepared 
to meet the crisis when it comes and 
emerge with a more satisfactory arrange- 
ment than our unfortunate brothers 
across the sea. — Odd Fcllozc Revieii.', 
September. 1919. 

Want Fraternal Society Department. 

The American Fraternal Congress has 
appointed three of its best attorneys to 
investigate the matter of taking the af- 
fairs of the fraternal insurance societies 
out of the hands of the insurance com- 
missioners and placing them with a spe- 
cial department to be created and known 
as the Fraternal Society Department. 

The congress is of the opinion that the 
business of the fraternal insurance socie- 
ties is of sufficient importance to justify 
the creation of a department to be de- 
voted to it exclusively. — The Kablegram. 

Why should not an insurance frater- 
nity receive orders from the State? 
*'Why it takes away our Sovereignty.*' 



Is the Insurance lodge greater than the 
State which chartered it? 



The year 1919 will go down in frater- 
nal history as the year of great fraternal 
readjustments. Many of the remaining 
societies on an insecure plan of operation 
have taken the step this year to attain 
solvency and endurance and among these 
are some of the largest and most impor- 
tant societies in the American fraternal 
benefit system. Such changes have been 
demanded by the course of events, which 
means that the business of fraternal in- 
surance is undergoing a natural develop- 
ment as a result of its unscientific start, 
and leaders of the societies and State in- 
surance commissioners are working out 
the system's salvation according to their 
vision for the future. State laws require 
that the societies adopt sound plans with- 
in a given time or go out of business. 
The penalty is liquidation by State au- 
thorities. — Fraternal Monitor. 



Lodge "Charity" on a Business Basis. 

Now when one of us is sick or disabled 
and certain "benefits'" are technically due, 
we simply regard them as "so much com- 
ing" to us and we want it. The matter 
has passed from the fraternal atmosphere 
to the insurance atmosphere and is dom- 
inated by the all-pervading spirit of ev- 
eryday commercialism. 

In a word, "sick benefits" and ''frater- 
nal benefits" are no longer in the spirit 
of the old neighborhood "quilting bee" or 
"corn husking bee :" they are now more 
in the spirit that is about the debit and 
credit account in the ledger and looks for 
a settlement before the first of the month. 
— The Odd Fellozc Rez'iezc. September, 
1919. 



THE DARN DORMANT LODGE. 

Under the caption. "The Lodge Svs- 
tem Must Be More Efficient." Editor D. 
P. Markey of The Bee Hive deplores the 
fact that there are so many dead lodges. 
Every society, he says, is like an eight- 
cylinder machine hitting only on three. 
He says the cause of this is too many 
local lodges where it is impossible for 
them to exist. He suggests the following 
remedy : 

Places with 500 people often have 
three or four Fraternal Benefit lodges — 



176 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



when one good one is all that is needed 
and all that can be properly maintained 
there. It would -be better for the cause 
of Fraternalism if in such cases there 
was but one lodge. Every dormant lodge 
is a reflection on the cause — no matter 
what order it is a part of-^and since 
these dormant lodges do no work — other 
than make local collections— it would be 
better if they were all disbanded and 
their members carried 'at large' — being 
taken care of at headquarters, except in 
those cases where circumstances make it 
practical to consolidate them with some 
working lodge near by. 

"Every good branch, that is bearing 
fruit should be retained ; all others should 
be cut away, so that the part that is 
bearing may have the full strength of 
the soil. The only help many members 
render is in their contribution to the gen- 
eral fund used by the willing workers to 
promote the cause. Such members are 
denied even that privilege when they are 
united with a tent in which there are no 
V orkers. In such cases there is no ad- 
\antage to any one in keeping up the 
local organization. It is usually, even, an 
imposition on the Secretary who does all 
the Vv'ork that is done, often without com- 
pensation. 

"It is a shame that so many of our 
lodges are doing absolutely nothing — 
they will neither help themselves nor al- 
low others to help them. If they think 
the Order can live without their help 
they are mistaken. It may exist for a 
time- — but it cannot truly live — because 
to truly live means to be of real service, 
not partially but fully. When they help 
the Order they help themselves, because 
they and their fellows are the Order — 
and the Order as a whole can not live 
without the help of its several parts. If 
some of its parts are paralyzed and dead 
it will suffer in efficiency accordingly. 

"The serious and menacing trouble 
with our Eraternal Benefit system today 
is the apparent feeing that somehow in 
some way a miracle will occur — that you 
can have an institution 'for the people^ 
of the people, and not by the people.' This 
no one has a right to expect. It will 
never come. If the members will not car- 
ry on these orders made up of themselves 
and solely for their benefit, as such, they 
will cease to exist. Those institutions that 



are no longer serviceable — efficient — have 
no right to encumber the earth — they 
have outlived their usefulnes and should 
be eliminated — and thus make way for 
something that will supply a present 
urgent need. — The Kahlegram. 



Wheaton College. 

Editorial note by Rev. Dr. James M. 
Gray in The Christian Workers' Maga- 
zine, August, 1920: 

Wheaton College, at Wheaton, 111., de- 
serves, as do few other professedly 
Christian colleges, the earnest prayers 
and loyal support of every true follower 
of Jesus Christ, since it combines scho- 
lastic standards and physical training 
with absolute loyalty to the Bible as the 
inspired Word of God. In this college all 
fanciful theories and speculations which 
undermine faith, and all unscriptural as- 
sociations which undermine character, 
are excluded. The president is our friend 
of many years, the Rev. Charles A. 
Blanchard, D.D., from whom further in- 
formation may be obtained on applica- 
tion. 



THAT DEGREE OF SENATOR HARD- 
ING'S. 

Editor Herald and Examiner'. 

Sir— In regard to Senator Harding's 
having taken his first degree (entered 
apprentice) in Marion Lodge No. 70, R. 
H. Jones neglected to state that it has 
been several years since Senator Hard- 
ing took this degree, and that he has not 
progressed any farther. 

E. J, O'Connor, 
Perseverance Lodge, A. F. & A. M., 973. 
— Chicago Herald-Examiner, Aug. 27, 

1920. 



GOV. COOLIDGE'S FIRM STAND. 

As the matter stands the governor and 
commissioner have refused to recede 
from their original ruling. The police- 
men deserted and must go forever. The 
people do not desire the public safety 
placed in the hands of those or any other 
policemen who will be at the beck and 
call of a walking delegate. 

The requests of Mr. Gompers that the 
governor ''take a broad view of the situ- 
ation" and remove the police commis- 
sioner, as responsible for the trouble by 
refusing to reinstate the deserters, are 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



177 



pure impudence and have called from 
Gov. Coolidge a fitting refusal to do any 
such things. — Editorial, Nezv York Tele- 
gram, 19 19. 

Perhaps Mr. Gompers' expressed pref- 
erence for the Democratic nominees is 
retaliation for the fine example of pa- 
triotic Americanism by Gov. Coolidge. 




INDIAN JEWELER. 

(Courtesy, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe 
Raihvav Co.) 



MASONIC BUNK. 

Freemasonry cultivates reverence, the 
sense of God, the appreciation of the 
Unseen, the sense of personal dignity 
that we should all carry with us into 
daily life. It strengthens our wills for 
the week-day tasks; It comforts us in 
the sorrows we bear. It mingles our 
heart cravings with those of others and 
brings a consciousness of human fellow- 
ship in the highest things. It unveils to 
us ideals. 

— Masonic Home Journal. 

The proof of the pudding is in the eat- 
ing. Rev. Joseph Fort Newton, Congre- 
gational minister and Masonic author 
and Editor, went to London a few years 
ago as "Masonic Ambassador" to Eng- 
land and incidentally to preach in the 
pulpit of R. J. Campbell. 

His Masonic education has so cultivat- 
ed his "reverence, the sense of God," and 
reverence for His house that he endorses 
turning the church into a common smoke 
house. The daily press reports the fol- 
lowing: 

''Rev. Joseph Fort Xewton has stepped 
into line with London in endorsing pub- 
lic smoking. He goes further and ac- 



cording to report will not object to smok- 
ing in church, for he argues that in the 
future the church will not be so much a 
place of worship as it will be for com- 
panionable gatherings." 

Masonic teaching "quenches the Holy 
Spirit." Mr. Newton is a fine example 
of the effect of the lodge on ministers 
who make a pretense of trying to serve 
the lodge and God at the same time. 



OUR PRESENT-DAY ATTITUDE TO- 
WARD THE LODGE. 

BY REV. J. R. GRAEBNER, FT. WAYNE, IND. 

(Continued from September number.) 
From Earth to Heaven, via Odd-Fellow- 
ship. 
From the fact that prayer in the name 
of Christ is not tolerated by Odd-Fel- 
lowship, and from the fact that Odd- 
Fellows are a so-called brotherhood of 
Christians, Jews, Turks, and infidels, we 
draw the positive conclusion that their 
belief concerning the way to heaven, is 
not the one that Christ points out when 
He says : 'T am the Way, and the Truth, 
c.nd the Life; no man cometh unto the 
Father but by Me" (John 14:6), but 
their belief is that every good Odd-Fel- 
low goes to heaven for his good behavior. 
We see this also from such words as 
the following extracts from the lectures 
and instructions of the Odd-Fellows' 
Companion. Page 97 we read : ''Let us, 
then, be true to our professions. Let 
our walk and conversation in life be such 
the world shall be compelled to acknowl- 
edge the sublime theory we teach. Thus 
shall we live in the enjoyment of the 
blessed consciousness of having per- 
lormed our duty to our Maker and cur 
kind ; and when the hour comes for us 
to leave this earth and join the ^'asr 
Biotheiiiood beyond il, we shall be abic 
to look back upon n life well spent, and 
prepared to meet Him who has taught 
us that love for our l^rethren here is a 
duty incumbent on the children of one 
heavenly Father." And page 182: "Let 
I's, then, persist in the glorious work we 
have commenced, with vio:cr and un- 
flinching stability; let our bark, while 
sailing on the extensive ocean of Fellow- 
ship, be guided by the compass of jus- 
tice: and, if we may continue the meta- 
phor, let us preservingly pursue the 



178 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



track its needle indicates ; that, when ar- 
rived at oin- destined haven, we may, with 
a pure consciousness of having supported 
to the utmost our purpose of benevolence 
and charity, securely recline our heads 
on the satisfactory pillow of content- 
ment, and indulge' in the inspiring hope 
that when summoned from this sublun- 
ary sphere, we may meet with an eternal 
welcome in that 'angel-land', where 'sor- 
row intrudes not,' where 'the wicked 
cease from troubling, and the weary are 
at rest.' " Similar sentiments and in- 
structions might be cited from other 
standard works of the order.^ For ex- 
ample, here is one from Grosh's ^lanual : 
"Let us not forget that, while we culti- 
vate the perfection of our fraternal du- 
ties, we shall improve in the knowledge 
of Deity, of our duty to Him, to our 
neighbor and to ourselves. Friendship 
will bind us together. Truth will direct 
us, and Love will make our labors easy, 
so that, at the last, when we are sum- 
moned from the terrestrial lodges to the 
Grand Lodge Celestial, we may leave 
form and ceremony behind, find our work 
approved, and, as the mysteries of heaven 
are unveiled to our admiring vision, we 
may arrive at its perfection and enjoy 
its "benefits throughout ages eternal." 

Every Odd-Fellow regardless of what 
his religious belief might have been, is 
buried by the lodge with expressions of 
certainty that he went to heaven. Grosh, 
who in his Manual (p. 364) expressly 
says : "\\'e admit men of all religions into 
our order," includes in the same book a 
number of funeral odes to be sung at 
funerals of brothers,— Christian, Jew, 
:\Iohammedan, or infidel,— from which 
we quote the following lines : 
Though in the Grand Lodge above. 
We remember Thee in love. (p. 408.) 
And now he quits our weary train. 
And marches o'er the heavenly heights; 
But we shall walk with him again, 
And share his rest and his delights, (p. 408.) 

Till life shall end— then hear the voice, 
Depart in peace from earth to heaven. 

fp. 409.) 

Freemasonry's Claims to Heaven. 

Freemasonry claims to teach the way 

to heaven. Mackey says in the Mystic 

Tie: "Freemasonry . . . teaches the 

existence of God. It points to the celes- 

• tial canopy above, where is the Eternal 

Lodge, and where He presides. It in- 



structs us in the way to reach the portals 
of that distinct temple." (p. 32.) In the 
Encyclopedia (p. 641) Mackey quotes 
Oliver (Historical Landmarks of Mason- 
ry) : "The definitions of Freemasonry 
have been numerous ; but they all unite 
in declaring it a system of morality, by 
the practice of which its members may 
advance their spiritual interest, and 
mount by the theological ladder from the 
lodge on earth to the lodge in heaven, 
the Grand Lodge Above." Masonry 
teaches that a IMason "on the night of his 
initiation commences the great task 
which is never in his future Masonic life 
to be discontinued, of erecting in his 
heart a spiritual temple for the indwel- 
ling of God." (Mackey's Manual, p. 
41.) A faithful Mason aims "by a uni- 
form tenor of virtuous conduct to re- 
ceive, when his allotted course of life 
has passed, the inappreciable reward 
from his Celestial Grand Master of 'Well 
done, thou good and faithful servant.' " 
(Mackey's Lexicon, p. 450-1.) 

The Masonic system of morality is 
represented by the emblems and symbols 
of Masonry, especially by the so-called 
working-tools. In Webbs' Freemason's 
Monitor (p. 29) we read: "The common 
gavel is an instrument made use of by 
operative masons to break off the corners 
of rough stones, the better to fit them for 
the builder's use ; but we, as Free and 
Accepted Masons, are taught to make 
use of it for the more noble and glorious 
purpose of divesting our minds and con- 
sciences of all the vices and superfluities 
of life, thereby fitting our bodies, as Hv- 
ing stones, for that spiritual building, 
that house not made with hands, eternal 
in the heavens." Another example (p. 
40) : "By the rough ashler (a stone in 
natural, coarse condition, as taken from 
the quarry) we are reminded of our rude 
and imperfect state by nature. By the 
perfect ashler we are remmded of that 
state of perfection at which we hope to 
arrive by a virtuous education, our own 
endeavors, and the blessings of God.". 

Robert Morris, Sovereign Grand In- 
spector General, in his Dictionary, article 
"Apron," tells the world that the white 
apron "suggests the preservation of the 
garments from the defilements of labor, 
and morally, the guard of the soul from 
the defilements of sin. It is therefore the 



Oclobfer, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



179 



distinguishing badge of a society whose 
great aim it is to prepare the soul for 
that spiritual building, that house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 

An article on Alasonic regeneration ap- 
peared in TJic Builder ^lay, 1918, under 
the title, "The First Degree." It was 
first pubhshed in the Kansas City Free- 
mason ^and later in The Builder, "a 
journal for the Masonic student," which 
is published by the National Masonic Re- 
search Society. We take a few extracts 
to show the drift of the article : 

"If we believe in evolution, and most 
of us do, we must recognize that the 
path of our evolution is along the lines 
of our inner unfoldment, the evolution 
of our latent goodness. There is a germ 
of goodness, of pure gold, in the breast 
of every human being, which by culti- 
vation and education can be developed 
into light and power.' 

"The three degrees in Blue Lodge 
Masonry exemplify the ascent of man 
from the unregenerate and materialistic 
being to a regenerate master-man — the 
master-builder of character and man- 
hood. It is Jacob's ladder, the evolu- 
tionary path of man." 

"Therefore we see that the First De- 
gree is the first step a candidate should 
take, and that is Purification. Have you 
taken this first step? If not, why not?'' 

Similar expressions of justification and 
salvation by man's own efforts, without 
Christ's vicarious sacrifice and the Holy 
Spirit's sanctifying influence, can be 
found by the hundreds in the works of 
standard Masonic authors. This man- 
made w'ay of salvation is only consistent 
with the fundamental principles of the 
institution, "its religion being of that uni- 
versal kind in which all men agree'' 
(Mackey, Masonic Jurisprudence, p. 95), 
"pure theism, on which its different mem- 
bers engraft their own peculiar opinions'' 
( Mackey, in his Lexicon ) , so that Chase 
(Digest of Masonic Law, p. 207) sees 
"no good reason why the Jews, the 
Chinese, the Turks, each rejecting either 
the Xew Testament or the Old, or both, 
should not be made T^Iasons." "Masonry'' 
— we quote from Mackey in the Ameri- 
can Quarterly Rezneii' — "claims to be a 
religion, a universal religion, not founded 
on the Bible, however ; that is a sectarian 
system, — that has too narrow a basis, — 



and this universal system covers all oth- 
ers, however conflicting and antagon- 
istic. It unites men of all faiths, who 
but for it had remamed at a perpetual 
distance; and every creed meets on the 
level of the Masonic shrine." (Anti-Ma- 
sonic Scrap Book, Tract 21, p. 5.) How 
can such a religion teach the Christian 
way of salvation? It would be a con- 
tradiction of the very principle on which 
it is built, that of universality, "admit- 
ting men of every creed within its hos- 
i:)itable bosom." 

Salvation Without Christ or Salvation 
Through Faith? 

The lodge teaches salvation without 
Christ, by works. The Scripture teaches 
salvation by grace, for Christ's sake, 
through faith, as the following texts 
clearly testify: 

^s. 53:5.6: "He was wounded for our 
transgressions, he was bruised for our 
iniquities : the chastisement of our peace 
was upon him, and with His stripes we 
are healed. All we like sheep have gone 
astray; we have turned every one to his 
own way; and the Lord hath laid on him 
the iniquity of us all." 

^latt. I :2i : "Thou shah call His name 
JESL^S; for He shall save His people 
from their sins." 

John 10:15: "I lay down my life for 
the sheep." 

John 3: 16, 18, 2>^\ "God so loved the 
\yorld that He gave His only begotten 
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him 
should not perish, but have everlasting 
life. He that believeth on Him is not 
condemned; but he that believeth not is 
condemned already, because he hath not 
believed in the name of the only begotten 
Son of God. He that believeth on the 
Son hath everlasting life, and he that 
believeth not the Son shall not see life, 
but the wrath of God abideth on Him." 

John 14:6: "I am the Way, and the 
Truth, and the Life ; no man cometh unto 
the Father but by Me." 

John 17:3: "This is life eternal, that 
they might know Thee the only true God, 
and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." 

Luke 24:46. 47: "Thus it is written, 
and thus it behooved Christ to suff'er, and 
to rise from the dead the third day : and 
that repentance and remission of sins 
should be preached in his name among 
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



Acts 10:43: "To him give all the 
prophets witness that through his name,, 
whosoever believeth in him, shall re- 
ceive remission of sins." 

Gal. 4:4, 5, P: "When the fulness 
of the time was come, God sent forth 
his son, made of a woman, made under 
the law, to redeem them that were under 
the law, that we might receive the adop- 
tion of sons." 

John 1:29: "John seeth Jesus coming 
unto him, and saith. Behold the Lamb 
of God which taketh away the sin of the 
world." 

2 Cor. 5:18, 21: ''All things are of 
God, who hath reconciled us to himself 
by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us 
the ministry of reconcihation. For he 
hath made him to be sin for us who knew 
no sin, that we might be made the right- 
eousness of God in him." 

Rom. 5:18-19: 'Therefore, as by the 
offense of one judgment came upon all 
men to condemnation, even so by right- 
eousness of one, the free gift came upon 
all men unto justification of life. For 
as by one man's disobedience many were 
made sinners, so by the obedience of one 
shall many be made righteous." 

1 Pet. I :i8-2i : ''Forasmuch as ye 
know that ye were not redeemed with 
corruptible things, as silver and gold, 
from your vain conversation received by 
tradition from your fathers, but with 
the precious blood of Christ, as of a 
lamb without blemish and without spot ; 
who verily was foreordained before the 
foundation of the world, but was mani- 
fest in these last times- for you, who by 
him do believe in God, that raised him 
up from the dead, and gave him glory, 
that your faith and hope might be in 
God." 

2 Tim. 1:10: "Christ hath abolished 
death, and hath brought Hfe and immor- 
taHty to light through the Gospel." 

John 11:25-26: 'T am the Resurrec- 
tion and the Life. He that believeth in 
Me, though he were dead, yet shall he 
live; and whosoever liveth and believeth 
in Me shall never die." 

Heb. 2: 9-15: "But we see Jesus, who 
was made a little lower than the angels 
for the suffering of death, crowned with 
glory and honor, that he by the grace 
of God should taste death for every man, 
. . and deliver them who through 



fear of death were all their lifetime sub- 
ject to bondage." 

Rom. 4:24-25: "Believe on him that 
raised up Jesus, our Lord, from the dead, 
who was delivered for our oiTenses, and 
was raised again for our justification." 
Rom. 8:32-33: "He that spared not 
his own Son, but delivered him up for 
us all, how shall he not with him also 
freely give us all things ? Who shall 
lay anything to the charge of God's elect? 
It is God that justifieth. Who is he that 
condemneth ? It is Christ that died, yea, 
rather, that is risen again, who is even 
at the right hand of God, who also 
maketh intercession for us." 

Gal. 2:16: "Knowing that a man is 
not justified by the works of the law, 
but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even 
we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we 
might be justified by the faith of Christ, 
and not by the works of the law ; for by 
the works of the law shall no flesh be 
justified." 

John 1:12: "As many as received 
him, to them gave he power to become 
the sons of God, even to them that be- 
lieve on his name." 

John 20:31: "These are written that 
ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, 
the Son of God, and that, believing, ye 
might have life through his name." 

Acts 4:12: "Neither is there salvation 
in any other; for there is none other 
name under heaven given among men 
whereby we must be saved." 

Religious Camouflage. 
The Bible is full of texts of this kind ; 
hundreds could be quoted. Christ, and 
salvation through him alone, is the sum 
and substance of Scripture, from Genesis 
to Revelation. He is the Alpha and 
Omega, the beginning and the end, the 
first and the last, and all in all, through- 
out the religion which the Scriptures 
teach. St. Paul determined not to know 
anything among the Corinthians save 
Jesus Christ and him crucified. Lodge 
religion knows nothing of him ; lodge 
rituals are void of him ; lodge altars are 
against hihi. The Bible is used in the 
lodge for an ornamental religious camou- 
flage ; it is used in swearing idolatrous 
oaths ; it is misapplied and misinterpreted 
in idolatrous worship. The Koran could 
just as well be used in its place. The 
belief in the Fatherhood of God and the 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAX CYN'OSURE 



181 



Brotherhood of Man. in which all creeds 
agree, and which means nothing more 
than that there is* a good Supreme Being 
which made us all. that creed which even 
inlidels subscribe to. is the only religious 
platform the lodge has. -That universal 
way of salvation, the Golden Rule, the 
only way of salvation the unbelieving 
world knows, and by which no man was 
ever saved, is the only way to heaven the 
lodge can show, because the lodge has 
not Christ. The notion of the unbeliev- 
ing world is that ever\- one who believes 
in the existence of a Supreme Being, and 
in a hereafter, and in man's accountabil- 
ity to his Maker, and who does as nearly 
right as he can. will go to heaven. The 
Hindoos. ^lohammedans and Tews, the 
Unitarians. Universalists, Christian 
Scientists. Spiritualists, and Mormons, 
all claim to know and to teach the way 
to heaven: but their claim is false, for 
they do not recognize Christ as their 
God and only Savior. The children of 
this world say all religions are good be- 
cause the purpose of them all is to lead 
men to the good place, and if a person 
lives up to what light he has, no matter 
what his creed is. he will go to heaven. 
Thousands of members of Christian 
churches and many ministers in Chris- 
tian pulpits are of the same opinion, and 
declare openly and emphatically by word 
and deed that no ditterence of creed 
should bar anybody from membership in 
any church, for we all believe in one 
God. etc. Xo wonder such ministers see 
nothing wrong in fellowshipping with a 
Jewish rabbi in a religious service : no 
wonder so many church members, and 
even ministers see nothing out of the way 
in worshipping at the lodge altar together 
with men of all creeds ; no wonder peo- 
ple in general consider us bigoted and 
narrow in our attitude toward the lodge. 
And let us not think to say within our- 
selves that our Synod in its membership 
is entirely free from any taint of the 
universal religion. It is the religion of 
the flesh, and as we are all bom flesh of 
the flesh, we are all inclined, as far as 
our flesh is concerned, to a man-made 
reHgion of some kind, and are daily in 
need of the Holy Spirit's enlightenment 
and guidance, which alone can keep us 
in the one true faith. We have manv 
people in the Lutheran Church also, not 



only in the Merger Synods, but also in 
our own dear Synodical Conference, 
whose spiritual vision is dimmed by the 
poison of the-imiversal religion, so that 
they see no wrong in the lodge. 
The Big Church, 

In the lodge the universal world-reli- 
gion has fotmd a resting-place, an altar, 
and a home; there it is endorsed in due 
form: there a sample of it is bottled up 
for exhibition : there we And it in organ- 
ized shape. What the visible church and 
each local congregation is in its relation 
to the invisible Church, the true beHevers 
among all men, that, and that exactly, 
may we consider the lodge and the local 
lodges to be in their relation to the uni- 
versal world-church, which some people 
call "the big church." As a swelling or 
an eruption on the body may be only the 
local, external manifestation of an inter- 
nal disease pervading the whole body, 
so the lodge-religion is only a manifes- 
tation of the general religious ideas that 
prevail throughout the world in the 
hearts and minds of unchristianized men. 
The world does not acknowledge Christ. 
and so the lodge does not. The world 
hates Christ just as it did when He dwelt 
visibly on earth. The lodge, by its Christ- 
less worship, delivers Christ to the Gen- 
tiles, mocks him, spitefully entreats 
him, spits on him, scourges him. crowns 
him \viih thorns, crucifies the Son of God 
afresh, and puts him to an open shame. 
(Heb. 6:6.) 

The lodge being a heathen institution 
as far as its religious tenets are con- 
cerned, its much vaunted charit}- must 
necessarily be of the heathen r\-pe and 
therefore no true charity. 

"Charity vaunteth not itself." says the 
Apostle j I Cor. is A). Lodge charity 
vaunts itself most pronouncedly. The 
lodge vaunts its charity by preaching it 
from the house tops: it is inscribed on 
its banners, eulogized by lodge men in 
public addresses, praised in lodge litera- 
ture, and in the sunshine of its claims 
the adherents of the lodge bask with com- 
placent self-satisfaction. 

Sinners Also Do the Same. 

Lodge charity is the kind of which the 
Lord Jesus says: "If ye love them which 
love you. what thank have ye? For sin- 
ners also love those that love them. And 
if ye do good to them which do good to 



182 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



you. what thank have ye? For sinners 
also do even the same. And if ye lend 
to them of whom ye hope to receive, what 
thank have ye ? For sinners also lend 
to sinners, to receive as much again." 
A man does not join a lodge to do good 
to others, but to receive benefits himself, 
and the benefits the lodge gives, death- 
benefits, sick and accident-benefits, visits 
and vigils, assistance and helpfulness, are 
all bought and paid for by those who re- 
ceive them. The constitution of the 
lodge guarantees them to its members 
in return for the dues which they pay. 
Xow only are lodges very strict in col- 
lecting their dues, not only do their con- 
stitutions contain paragraphs providing 
that any member who is so and so far in 
arrears in his payments will receive none 
of the benefits which the lodge ofifers, but 
they also guard very carefully against the 
reception of such persons as might be- 
come a burden to the lodge, such as the 
sick and the aged, even though they may 
be sorely in need of assistance. We cer- 
tainly realize that an association paying 
death benefits and sick benefits could not 
long exist if it received into membership 
regardless of their age or their state of 
health, but when lodges call plain busi- 
ness "charity," they speak a lie in 
hypocrisy, (i Tim. 4:2.) 

The Elks' Silent Charity. 

The Elks especially are known for 
their charity. It is often said that they 
differ from other lodges in that they do 
so much good to people who do not be- 
long to their order, to poor people whose 
need is brought to their attention. It is 
also emphasized that the Elks do this 
quietly ; they don't parade their charity, 
they don't let the left hand know what 
the right hand does. But how is it, we 
naturally ask, that we so often hear of 
this silent charity? It cannot be so very 
silent, after all. Surely, the poor people 
that got the Christmas-basket from the 
Elks' Santa Claus are not the only ones 
that spoke of it. We generally hear of 
those things, even though the individual 
cases are not mentioned, through mem- 
bers of the order. 

We have never denied that there are 
Christians in the lodges. Xor do we 
deny that heathen also have natural 
human pity and love, and that many of 
them do a great deal of good to others. 



We most emphatically deny, however, 
that a heathen institution, such as the 
lodge is in principle, can be a Christian 
institution in practice. The charity of 
the Christless lodge cannot be Christian 
Charity. 

(To be continued.) 



A DANCE FOR METHODISTS. 

Xew York, Aug. 2-]. — (Special.) — 
The only dance approved by the conven- 
tion of the National Association of IMas- 
ters of Dancing is the "Wesleyan," which 
was adopted today at the closing session. 
The new dance is one the masters hope 
may gain the approval of the Methodist 
church. 

— The Chicago Tribune. 

Lodge dances as well as lodge altars, 
where Satan is worshiped, have been for 
years a disintegrating force in the spir- 
ituality of the Alethodist Episcopal 
church. 

The pressure to remove the Church 
ban on dancing was defeated at the last 
general conference, due, it was said, in 
a large measure to the presence and ac- 
tive propaganda of a representative of 
the "National Association of blasters of 
Dancing." His prominent and open ad- 
vocacy of a change in the discipline was 
resented and the change defeated. 

The "Wesleyan" dance is the new 
move to accomplish the desired change. 
It will probably be successful. 



THE MARK OF THE BEAST. 

^lany of the troubles in labor circles 
are due to the recklessness of men w^ho 
neither have nor desire to have any fam- 
ily responsibility. They wish to do away 
with home ties and so be free to wander 
from place to place. 

For such a life as this a wife is regard- 
ed as an incumbrance, and the obliga- 
tions of the married state are to be 
avoided. So like the fox with the short- 
ened tail, not satisfied with their own 
imperfections they try to make home life 
unattractive to others. 

Some years ago, in Philadelphia, the 
younger unmarried members of a tailors' 
"union" got together and voted that a 
wife who mended her husband's clothing 
was to be regarded as a "scab," and "un- 
fair" to the cause of organized labor. 

However absurd this may appear, 



October. 1920. 



CHRISTIAX CYNOSURE 



there are men who now beHeve. or pro- 
fess to believe, that they have a right to 
certain kinds of work, and that any one 
the performing such work should be 
punished. 

In Chicago a janitor stopped a woman's 
maid who was washing the windows of her 
apartment as he said that was the work of 
the union window washers who carae around 
once a week and charged twenty- cents a win- 
dow. There were lifteen windows in her 
apartment. She was timid and complied with 
his demand. 

A man was painting his own porch in Chi- 
cago when a r^resentative of the painters' 
union came along and told him he would be 
tined So<> by the union if he continued the 
painting, and that he woidd see trouble. He 
continued, and reports state that he was 
"slugged-"' A letter in the Tribune referred 
to this outrage, and a dav or two later two 
letters appeared in the same paper justifying 
the affair. One of them called tlie o);v-ner who 
did his own painting a "scab." and added. 
"You say a man has got a right to paint his 
own house and the union says no and means 
it." The other writer declared. "Painting is 
a union job not a farmer job. and scabs 
painting their own shacks in Chicago is got to 
stop." "Chicago would be better off if every- 
body but tuiion men were chased out where 
they belong." He closed with this sentence. 
**\*ours for unionism, honest pay. patriotism, 
freedom and Americanisrr. six-hour dav and 
LIBERTY!" 

In the thirteenth chapter of Revela- 
tions we are told of one who ''causeth 
all. both small and great, rich and poor. 
free and bond, to receive a mark in their 
right hand or in their foreheads: and 
that no man might buy or sell saz'c he 
that had the mark, or the name of the 
beast, or the number of his name."' Are 
we approaching such a time as this ? 

— H. B. H.. The Christian 



NON-CHRISTIAN LABOR CHURCHES. 
Ecironal 1:1 The MissLO}:dr\ Rez'-ez.- of 
the World. 
Men are ever seeking to secure the 
fruits of Christianity- without the roots : 
to develop the form of Godliness with- 
out paying the price or experiencing the 
power. A "Xon-Christian Church" 
seems a contradiction in terms, but such 
are being formed. In Canada a *'Labor 
Church" was organized in July. 1918, 
and now has ten branches, Winnipeg 
alone having 1.200 members. It has 
grown because of the popularity of in- 
dustrial movements but it has not yet 
endured hardship and persecution. There 
is avowed belief in God but no clear sur- 



render to the claims of His Son. Jesus 
Christ. The basis cf admission is as 
follows : "I am willing to support an in- 
dependent and creedless Labor Church 
based on the fatherhood of God and the 
brotherhood of man. Its aim shall be 
the establishment of justice and right- 
eousness on earth among all men and na- 
tions." 

An idea of the Sunday School mav be 
gained by the following extract from 
one of the lesson outlines : 

"Lesson i. \\'ho set the dinner table? 
I a ) The many who keep us : ( b ) C)ur 
part in the world's work : ( c ; "Grace 
before meat.' 

•"Lesson 3. The Age of Homespun: 
( a ) ^Manufacture in home workshop : ( b) 
Production of use — independence: (c) 
"God bless me and my wife and son 
John.' 

•"Lesson 5. The First with the :Ma- 
chine : ( a ) Tools of pr.xiuction in the 
hands of the few: (b) The new slaver\- 
— men. women and children : < c i The 
work of Jesus — Luke 4:18. 

"Lesson 16. Where the Baby Came 
From : ( a ) The miracle of life : 1 b 1 Sex 
instruction: tc) Bodies temples of the 
Holy Spirit. 

""Lesson 21. The Life of Jesus: (a) 
Carpenter and reformer: 1 b'l C)pposed 
by church and state : 1 c > The sins which 
cruciried him." 

^^ hile most churches are lamenting 
the absence of men. the Labor churches 
like :Masonic Lodges, are tilled with them. 
It is unfortunate that a dividing line is 
being drawn between workers and oth- 
ers, and that men and women are mak- 
ing social organizations a substitute for 
the Church of Christ. These ideas are 
directly opposed to the teaching of the 
Founder of the Church and the Saviour 
of the World. 

— September. 1020. issue. 



USE "SMITH AND WESSONS." 
\\ ith a speech that lasted two hours 
and forty-five minutes, during which he 
consumed three large goblets of water 
and mopped most of it from his brow. 
""Big Tim" Murphy again seized the 
reins of the Gas Workers* imion last 
night and the $100 a week president's 
salar\- that goes with them. 

""One at a time!" shouted Murphy. 



184 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



"Xow shut up! When I took my vaca- 
tion in jail I appointed Campbell tempo- 
rary president. Vou don't know whether 
the union's going north or south and you 
haven't known since I've been away. In 
this outfit, the majority rules and the mi- 
nority hasn't a word to say. Don't for- 
get that. From now on I'm the boss of 
this imion and when I say I'm boss, I'm 
boss." 

"This union has been rim on a Sun- 
day school basis, where they give out 
stogies and punch the bag and don't ac- 
complish anything. 

"When I started out to organize the 
gas workers I got all the Dugans, 
O'Briens, and Flannerys I could find, be- 
cause I knew they could fight. I'd ask a 
man if he'd ever been to jail. If he said 
yes I wanted him. A man that can't fight 
and hasn't been to jail don't amount to 
much. They don't use boxmg gloves in 
the labor world. They use Smith & 
W^essons. I've forgot more than Camp- 
bell ever knew about a union. 

''Now about this here election tonight. 
Get that out of your head! I'm presi- 
dent and I'm going to stay president. 
I've got a five-year contract with you and 
you've got to pay me whether I work or 
not." — Chicago Tribune, Aug. 2y, 1920. 



This promises to be the windiest po- 
litical autumn the world has ever known. 



UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH IN 
AMERICA 



Declaration Concerning Organizations In- 
jurious to Christian Faith. 

Dear Cynosure: 

The following Declaration has been 
adopted by Executive Board of the United 
Lutheran Church in America to be proposed 
for adoption at the next Convention of that 
body, October IDth, 1920, in Washington, 
D. C— (Rev.) Martin L. Wagner. 

"In view of the prevalence throughout 
our land of doctrines which are subver- 
sive to the Christian faith ; and in view 
of the indifference manifested by many 
Christian people to the doctrines and 
principles of teachers, sects, and organ- 
izations which seek their adherence and 
support ; and in view of the fact that 
•through the acceptance of religious and 
other teachings which contradict the 
Gospel of Christ, the faith of Christians 
is endangered; we declare: 



I. That w^e solemnly warn all our 
pastors and the members of our congre- 
gations against all teachers, sects and or- 
ganizations of any kind, whose doctrines 
and principles contradict the truths set 
forth in Section D, III (The Truths and 
principles derived from Holy Scriptures) 
of this Declaration, or which limit their 
adherents or members in a free confes- 
sion of their Christian faith. 

II. That we warn them especially 
against all teachers, sects and societies 
whose doctrines and principles deny the 
reality of sin, the personality of God, the 
full and complete Godhead of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, and His redemption of the 
world by His sufferings and death, and 
the truth and authority of the Holy 
Scriptures ; as well as against all teach- 
ers, sects and societies which teach that 
men can be saved from sin, or can be- 
come righteous before God, by their own 
works, or by any other means than the 
grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ. 
We believe that such doctrines are not 
only not Christian but are anti-Christian 
and destructive of true Christian faith 
and life. 

III. That inasmuch as these and 
other false and dangerous doctrines are 
widely spread, not only by the activity of 
individual teachers, but also by the dis- 
semination 'of literature and through the 
agency of societies and other organiza- 
tions, calling themselves by various 
names which oftentimes conceal the real 
nature of the doctrines and principles 
for which they stand ; we therefore lay it 
upon the conscience of the pastors and of 
the members of all our congregations to 
scrutinize with the utmost care the doc- 
trines and principles of all teachers, sects, 
organizations and societies of every sort 
which seek their adherence and support 
and to refuse such adherence and sup- 
port in all cases of conflict or possible 
contradiction between these principles 
and doctrines and those set forth in the 
Holy Scriptures and in the Confessions 
of the Church. We beleive that the ap- 
plication of this principle lies in the 
sphere of the individual conscience and 
not of law, and that it should be applied 
to all teachers, organizations and societies 
whatsoever, whether their declared pur- 
poses be religious, social, political, or any 
other. 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



183 



0hitnaxp 




MATHEW C. RANSEEN. 

The Rev. Mathew C. Ranseen had been 
one of the Presidents of the National 
Christian Association, as well as an hon- 
ored and helpful member for a number of 
years of the Board of Directors. He died 
recently at the parsonage of his church, 
of which he was still pastor at the age 
of seventy-five. He was one of the most 
prominent members of his denomination, 
the Swedish Lutheran, in this city. Upon 
his last visit to Sweden he was highly 
honored by the Swedish Government. He 
was also one of the founders of the great 
Augustana Hospital of this city. His 
was a great and full life an*d we believe 
that an abundant entrance awaited him. 



Rev. Jesse W. Brooks, Ph. D., had 
been a contributor to the funds of the 
National Christian Association for many 
years. He said to a friend of his re- 
cently : ''We little appreciate what the 
National Christian Association has been 
of good to us and the country." The 



JESSE W., BROOKS. 

writer does not quote his exact words but 
their sense as he recalls them. His mem- 
bership in a secret society in early life 
and the deleterious influences of the 
lodge in churches of which he was pas- 
tor enabled him to give a just estimate 
of the value of this Association's work. 

Rev. Dr. Brooks, was for over twenty 
years at the head of the great mission- 
ary enterprise centering here in Chicago 
that had to do with the Christianization 
and Americanization of the various im- 
migrant races located in these central 
western states. His life interest was in 
the spread of the Gospel and conversion 
of our neighbors of foreign speech. His 
death was as unexpected as it was sud- 
den. May God send another as wise and 
devoted as was our brother to carry on 
this great evangelistic movement, now 
left without its leader. 



Does God ever impose a duty without 
the time to do it? 



186 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



Some of our statesmen who are afraid 
of a League of Nations because it would 
be "entangling alliance," are crowding in 
three abed with Sinn Fein. 



^etuj; of (Bnv Wotk 



A six-hour day and a twelve-dollar 
wage for labor may lead again to a 
twelve-hour dav and a three-dollar wag^e. 



The Lutheran Walther League, which 
corresponds to the Epworth League of 
the ^lethodist church and the Christian 
Endeavor of the Congregational and 
Presbyterian churches, has adopted the 
following topics for discussion during 
the coming year : 

1. The Y. M. C. A. 

2. Boy Scouts. 

3. Camp Fire Girls. 

4. The Lodge. 

5. The Christian Day School. 

6. The History of our Lutheran 
Church. 

7. Our Synod. 

8. Its Missions. 

9. Its Treasuries. 

10. Dignified Church Publicity. 

11. Charity. 

12. Hospice. 

One reason why the Lutheran church 
is so strong and vigorous is that its 
young people are not afraid to discuss 
living cjuestions and especially Secret 
Societies. 



OUIJA WILL FILL ASYLUMS. 

Trenton, X. J., July 20. — In a report 
filed today by Dr. Marcus L. Curry, 
medical director of the State Hospital for 
the Insane, says the ouija board is a 
"dangerous factor in unbalancing the 
mind." 

The fad is especially serious, he said, 
because it is adopted mainly by persons 
of a "highly strung and neurotic tend- 
ency," who become victims of actual il- 
lusions of sight, hearing and touch at the 
seances. 

Dr. Curry said state hospitals were 
destined to receive a new influx of pa- 
tients if popular taste did not soon swing 
to "more wholesome diversions." — Chi- 
cago Herald and Examiner, July 21, 
1920. 



It is only midgy and widgy people who 
like to converse with ouija boards. 



MASONIC PROPAGANDA IN KANSAS 

The Freemasons have of late started 
an eager propaganda in Lindsborg and 
surrounding community. Until a few 
years ago there were no secret lodges 
here. The community is a Lutheran 
stronghold. The largest Lutheran col- 
lege of the west is located in Lindsborg. 
As a rule the Lutherans are opposed to 
all secret lodges. 

The Swedish Methodist church has re- 
cently merged with the English Method- 
ist Trinity church of Lindsborg. The 
present pastor of the united Methodist 
church is Rev. C. P. Eklund, a prominent 
Mason. It would seem as though he 
were trying to build up his church by 
catering to secret lodges. He is at pres- 
ent on a vacation trip to Europe. In a 
correspondence to one of the Lindsborg 
newspaper he writes among other things 
as follows: "My little Masonic pin has 
already brought me in contact with many 
fine fellows. I anticipate much enjoy- 
ment from having affiliated with the Ma-, 
sons." 

Before he started on his trip a large 
meeting of Masons from the whole com- 
munity was arranged. This meeting was 
held in Lindsborg, June 14th. The Ma- 
sons had cunningly procured Rev. A. 
Bard of Kansas City, a Lutheran clergy- 
man and high Mason, to give a lecture on 
that occasion. The speaker was widely 
advertised in the newspapers, as a mem- 
ber of the "Mystic Shrine," and also as 
having received the signal honor of the 
''Red Cross of Constantine." 

On the date of the lecture a large con- 
course of Masons arrived from all the 
neighboring towns. The speaker had 
chosen as his subject : ''The Stepping 
Stones of Masonry/' Among other false 
statements the speaker gave utterance to 
the following: "Masonry is an associa- 
tion of men pledged to build God's king- 
dom upon earth," and as a proof of this 
he mentions Moses, Solomon, St. Paul 
and Martin Luther, and adds : ''All these 
were indeed Masons, contrihutiyig to the 
btiilding of God's invisible temple." The 
Lindsborg News-Record in its next issue 
published a part of the lecture, and the 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



187 



editor gave a very flattering comment on 
same. 

The undersigned wrote a reply to said 
article, proving that the statements were 
false. The two newspapers in Lindsborg 
refused to publish my reply. They as 
well as all other newspapers in our 
county are already controlled by the 
lodges. It took some time before my ar- 
ticle could be published in one of our 
Lutheran papers. 

In the meantime I warned my people 
at several public meetings and circulated 
antilodge literature. A reaction against 
the lodges started. A lecture has now 
been arranged to be held in Bethany Col- 
lege Auditorium, Sunday evening, Sep- 
tember 5th. by Dr. S. P. Long of Chi- 
cago. He will then refute the false state- 
ments of the Masonic lecture held in 
June. Dr. Long delivers his lecture on 
the subject, "The Bush Is Still Burning." 
The Auditorium has a seating capacity of 
about 3,000, and we expect to have a 
crowded house. 

For causing this agitation in the com- 
munity, the undersigned may be subject 
to the brunt of the lodge opposition, but 
with the help of God, whose strength I 
rely on, I am willing to bear it. 

The Lutheran Augustana Synod of 
which I am a member does not allow any 
of its ministers to belong to the secret 
lodges. May we as Chri-stians give heed 
to the signs of the times, and never take 
upon us the mark of the Beast. (Rev. 
13:16, 17.) 

J. P. AURELIUS. 

Fremont, Kans. 



Have no fear of death. It is life that 
is the dangerous state. 



Jabez says : I guess the imps worked 
overtime, so the devil has let some of 
them come up for a breath of air — and 
that accounts for "spiritism." 



MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE. 

The August, 1920, Graduating Class of 
the Moody Bible Institute received a 
copy of "Modern Secret Societies." This 
met the approval of Dr. J. ^I. Gray, 
Dean of the institution, as well as other 
members of the faculty. 

We are glad they recognize the work 
of the National Christian Association in 



its usefulness in giving the truth on the 
matter of lodges. Through the presen- 
tation of this book, we feel sure thou- 
sands will be enlightened on this subject. 
A. H. Leamax, 
Assistant Practical Work Director. 

THANKS ACKNOWLEDGED. 

September 2, 1920. 
Xatioxal Christian Associatiox, 

Chicago : 

Dear Sirs : It gives me much pleas- 
ure, as president of the August '20 Class 
of the Moody Bible Institute, in tend- 
ing a vote of thanks on behalf of the 
Class, to the National Christian Associa- 
tion, for the timely and acceptable book, 
"Modern Secret Societies," by Charles 
A. Blanchard, D.D., which was presented 
by them to each member of the class. I 
am convinced that this book will prove 
invaluable to these young Christian 
workers as they come face to face with 
the problems which these societies pre- 
sent to the church in this our day. I 
would that this book were in the hands 
of every pastor, yes and every Christian ; 
for few realize the danger or know the 
truth concerning this subtle movement, 
as they are set forth in this book. ]^Iay 
it be widely distributed, and may the 
Lord bless it, and use it to open the eyes 
of many Christians. 

Harry G. Briaut. 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

REV. W. V>. STODDARD. 

Grand Rapids, Mich.. Sept. 15, 1920. 

The past month has been as busy as the 
busiest with returns as good as the best ! 

My first address after my last report 
was delivered in the large Mennonite 
Church, known as Sonenburg near Kid- 
ron, Ohio. The attendance was large 
though the clouds were threatening. Be- 
cause of the good help given by Rev. Mr. 
Sommers with his new auto I was able 
to gather a good Cyxosure list in short 
order. Friends there were kind as they 
always have been. Owing to my desire 
to attend the meeting of the Lutherans' 
Joint Synod of Ohio and other states in 
their synodical meeting in Chicas^o, I 
was compelled to pass many places form- 
erlv worked in the Ohio district. I re- 
ceived the anticipated welcome and op- 
portunity to address this Synod. A good 



188 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



brother hastened to hand me five dollars 
at the conclusion of my address. Thirty- 
five new names were there enrolled on the 
Cynosure list. These good people are 
counted among the oppose rs of the secret 
lodge system but they are not without 
trouble in maintaining their position. The 
addresses at the Synod were animated 
and showed quite a diversity of thought 
on many lines. It was announced one day 
that the members of the Synod were in- 
vited to dine at the Cook County Alms 
house some miles in the country. Autos 
were provided. We were carried swiftly 
and in the latest style to a magnificent 
building surrounded by splendid scenery. 
Here we found the amusing and the pa- 
thetic, as there were over two thousand 
inmates in this public charity. We soon 
discovered that a hundred or more did 
not count for much even if they were 
preachers. The management evidently 
wished to have us feel at home, so served 
us in the family dining room with coffee 
and sandwiches. There was the laugh of 
course on those who anticipated a splen- 
did dinner such as had been served at 
Synod by pastor Doermann's faithful 
helpers. The pathetic was witnessed in 
the ward of aged women. There were 
long rows of cots occupied by frail 
wrecks of mortals whose hairs were as 
snowy white as the covering of their 
cots. They extended eager hands to wel- 
come the ministers. As they united in 
singing of the ''home over there" the 
tears were flowing freely down cheeks 
that would soon know the reality of the 
song. 

A Sabbath at Harvey, 111., strengthened 
our cause there. I preached twice in 
the Free Methodist church. After a brief 
visit to my home in Washington I re- 
turned to Chicago and am giving the 
month as planned to the Michigan work. 

My first Sabbath at Kalamazoo, Michi- 
gan, did not work out just as planned. 
Our good brother, B. L. Olmstead. was 
being installed as the new pastor in the 
Free Methodist church. Your repre- 
sentative was present and- introduced to 
the people with good recommendations. 
Brother Woodward sought a hearing for 
me in an 'M. E. Church about four miles 
from the city. It was rainy and but a 
handful of people gathered. The pastor 
told them they were $132 behind in his 



salary and that Conference was at hand, 
with a cold winter to follow and then 
announced they would sing such a num- 
ber, which turned out to be "Lead Kind- 
ly Light." I sought of course to give 
them light — antisecrecy light. Part 
seemed pleased and some hurried home 
without giving me their thoughts. 

The pastor of the First Reformed 
Church hoped to give me a hearing be- 
fore his young people in the evening but 
found they had arranged with a returned 
missionary. He gave a very interesting 
address and related missionary trials in 
Arabia. Since reaching this cty, Grand 
Rapids, many meetings have been held 
and others are being arranged. Tomor- 
row evening I will speak to our Wesleyan 
Methodist friends in connection with the 
prayer meeting. Four addresses in as 
many different churches is the program 
for Sabbath. 

Last Sabbath was spent in Muskegon, 
Michigan. I spoke in the Second Chris- 
tian Reformed Church and Sunday 
school in the morning and in Bethany 
Christian Reformed Church in the even- 
ing. I attended a very interesting meet- 
ing in the Congregational church in the 
afternoon held in the interests of the He- 
brew missions. The pastor of the Con- 
gregational church said he was not a 
Mason. While he had never joined the 
''Crusade" against the lodges he had 
always looked upon them "as sort of a 
nuisance.'' I was glad to find he was not 
in the lodge as one speaking of him 
thought he was. I find people are often 
mistaken as to the lodge standing of pas- 
tors. The pastor of the First M. E. 
Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan, was cited 
as a Mason. He said while he was a 
Mason he had not been in a lodge for five 
years. Had he refrained from entering 
a church for five years he could not be 
called an ardent church man. 

Rev. W. Groen, son of Ex-President 
J. Groen of our Association, is now pas- 
tor at Grand Haven, Michigan. We had 
a fine meeting in his church Monday 
evening. For the past two days I have 
been in attendance at Classical meetings 
of the Reformed and Christian Reformed 
churches held in this city, Grand Rap- 
ids. A kindly hearing granted your 
agent together with resolutions endors- 
ing the N. C. A. work is the result. 



October, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



189 



This is a strong center for our work ; 
the interest is increasing as the years go 
by. Xo church contributes to my support 
quite as generously as the Christian Re- 
formed. The Church of the Brethren 
here welcomed my address Sabbath 
morning. 

Two lectures are prospectively ar- 
ranged for Detroit. ^Michigan, for next 
week. Cleveland, Ohio, invites for my 
service the following week. 

I hope to give my services to Xew 
Jersey, Eastern X"ew York and X'ew 
England during October. The month of 
X'ovember is usually given to the Pitts- 
burgh district in Pennsylvania. Wt 
should have a Pennsylvania State Con- 
vention if possible in the early spring. 
Could we line up a Convention for some- 
where in Western Xew York during the 
last of January? The Empire State that 
for so many years led in our work, is 
not at the front now. What can be 
done? Who will help boost for a State 
Convention and where shall it be held ? 
This is the time for the elect to show 
their election by doing their best. The 
Eagles are screaming, the Owls building 
nests, the ^loose drinking and shall we 
keep quiet till they possess the land I 
Work while it is called todav. 



The labor which wants- to work only 
six hours a day really wants loo per 
cent, advantage over the average em- 
ployer, for he works twelve hours in 
twenty- four — and sometimes worries the 
other twelve. 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER." 

X'orfolk, \'a., September loth. 1920. 
Dear Cynosure: 

This letter finds me again at Xorfolk. 
\'irginia, at a State Holiness Meeting. 

I was in a camp meeting in Omaha 
from August ist to the 20th and then I 
came to this meeting. The church car- 
nival was not started this year as last 
year. I think the two men who were 
killed at the church carnival last year was 
enough to set good men and women 
thinking. 

All the people were free to visit the 
great camp meeting and hear the Word 
of the Lord. We did not fail to tell them 
about the Masonic God. Some who stood 



on the outside of the tent grumbled but 
God did not let *'a dog move his tongue." 
( Exodus 1 1 7. )' 

Everybody came to hear that old 
woman gi\e away their secrets. But 
others who belong to the lodge said, 
"That is right. The Word of God is up- 
setting the idol worship.*' Many hearing 
the truth gave up and God saved them 
from their sins." 

I showed the leaders of the people 
their blindness (^latt. 12:14. Isa. 56: 
10). I showed them that God calls some 
of these D.D.'s dumb dogs. A dog that 
will not bark, and will let the minx eat 
up all the chickens ; so the dumb preacher 
will let all this idol worship destroy God's 
people. A\'hen I was in Omaha I invited 
all the ministers to come with their 
Bibles and gather their congregations 
(Joel 2:15-16). but they would not. 
Their congregations came and took in the 
\\'ord. One little woman stayed till the 
close of the meeting and asked me to give 
her my subject texts. My subject was 
"A call to the Church to awake (I Cor. 
15:34) and Sin X^ot" (John 5:14. John 
8:11 ). I told her that God forbids us 
to live in sin (Romans 6:1, John 8:21- 
24 ). That the very name of Jesus means 
the salvation of His people from their 
sins ( ^lath. i •.20-21), and if we who ac- 
cept Jesus are not saved from sin that 
would make God a liar. God cannot lie 
(Titus 1:2, Rom. 3:4). She took these 
references and said. "The people here say 
you all have another Bible not like ours. 
So I am going home to look this up to see 
if it is in my Bible." I said to her. "You 
are a noble young woman (Acts 17:11 ). 
The Bereans "were more noble than 
those in Thessalonica in that they re- 
ceived the Word with all readiness of 
mind and searched the Scriptures daily 
whether those things were so." 

Another woman asked one of the sis- 
ters to come over to her house and show 
her if what I taught was in her Bible. 
The sister went and took her own Bible 
with her. But the woman said, "X'o. not 
your Bible. Show it to me in my Bible." 
The reference was to Rev. 21 :8. but that 
chapter was torn out of her Bible and 
she ran over to her neighbor's house and 
borrowed her Bible and when she read it 
in her neighbor's Bible she was con- 
vinced. "Well," she said, "the best peo- 



190 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



October, 1920. 



pie in town were standing outside of the 
tent and heard her say that good people 
and bad people, bootleggers, liars, whore- 
mongers, preachers, deacons, class lead- 
ers — all were up in the lodge room sing- 
ing 'Blest Be the Tie that Binds Our 
Hearts in Christian Love,' and the 
preacher said that nasty word whore- 
mongers was not in the Bible." Some 
said they were going to run me out of 
town. 

I read Hosea 4:1-6 and showed the 
people that they were destroyed for the 
lack of knowledge. Well did the prophet 
Amos say (Amos 8:11): "Behold the 
days come saith the Lord God that I will 
send a famine in the land, not a famine 
of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of 
hearing the words of the Lord." 

Before coming into Norfolk, Virginia, 
I stopped over in Kansas City, Missouri, 
two nights and hit the lodge sin another 
blow. The last night three women and 
a class leader came to me and said, "We 
belong to Elder W. T. Osborn's church 
in this city; please come to our church 
and don't forget to pray for us." One 
of the women was so touched with the 
Word that she invited me to take dinner 
with her the next day, so she could hear 
more of the Word. 

I went on to Parsons, Kansas, and 
stopped over one night. When I got 
through with my Bible teaching all the 
people in the house came to shake my 
hand though I told their lodge secrets, 
but that did not keep them from helping 
me with their means. But some people 
are sorry for me. They think I am crazy 
to tell the secret of their lodges, but said 
we will help her because nobody can dis- 
pute her teaching as far as the Bible is 
concerned. I laughed when I heard that 
and said in my heart. Thank God that I 
am counted worthy to be called a fool for 
the Gospel's sake. 

I went on from there to Muskogee, 
Oklahoma, to the State Meeting and 
taught ; and for seven days everybody 
kept silent and the Word' went through. 

God has told us to follow peace with 
all men fHeb. 12:14) so we are not 
afraid to live in the South, East, North 
or A\'est, for we mean to live in peace 
with all men. We don't believe in war, 
we don't believe in strikes nor riots. You 
never find holy people of any denomina- 



tion who are in riots or strikes or lodge ^ 
because lodges will cause men to kill e, ^h 
other. Some of those who love lodges 
said, "Sure, somebody will kill that negro 
woman yet." When the sister told me 
that I said, "That will be the only time 
that I will quit talking about them." 

I left Muskogee, came back to Kansas 
City, Missouri, to the State Meeting, 
August the 29th, and stayed over to the 
2nd of September. We took the Word 
and knocked the Lodge a double upper- 
cut. They had just closed the Annual 
Meeting of the Elks. I said, Think 
of a man calling himself a beast. Well 
that is about what they are, brute beasts. 
I said these lodge meetings are often, on 
the side, saloons and houses of ill fame. 
One young man who is a member of El- 
der Osborn's church said, "Well, I had 
sent in my application to join the lodge 
but I will never go any farther." He 
told me that Elder Osborn said, this sis- 
ter Roberson is right. I attended Wheaton 
College and I know those people who 
have sent her out into this work and they 
are all right. 

I went to a dentist to have my teeth 
attended to and I asked the dentist if he 
was a member of the church. He said, 
well I don't know just what I am. My 
wife is a Catholic and I went into the 
Catholic church to please her, but I don't 
like it because we are not allowed to go 
to the other churches or to read the 
Bible, and as I am a dentist and want the 
patronage of the people, I thought I 
would get into the churches where the 
majority of people are. I can then join 
the Masons. 

I will close for this time. I left 
Kansas City, Missouri, for Detroit, 
Michigan, the 3rd of this month and left 
there the 7th for Norfolk, Virginia. 

I will begin my next letter about the 
Detroit State Meeting, if the Lord wills 
I live. Yours for the Master's use, 

Lizzie W. Roberson. 



CAST OUT OF SYNAGOGUE. 

At Youngs Creek, Kentucky, we have 
Masons, Odd-Fellows and Junior Order 
of Mechanics to deal with. The Baptist 
Church in this town is ruled by the se- 
cret orders — even the pastor himself be- 
longs to these orders. They took my 
name from the church book because I re- 



October, 1Q20. 



CHRISTIAX CYXOSURE 



191 



buked them for belonging to these world- 
ly organizations and* even threatened to 
lead me out and to kick me when they 
got me out. 1 know the words of Eter- 
nal Truth does not uphold them and that 
these societies belong to the other fellow. 
A Christian can't keep house for the 
Devil and the Lord at the same time, for 
we cannot serve two masters. We can- 
not go down and up at the same time. 
W^hile I was telling them the danger of 
Christians taking part in these worldly 
organizations, they became so mad that 
they turned me out of the place. But I 
aim to stand by the Bible, and, God help- 
ing me. I know all will go w^ell. 

J. AI. Thompson. 
Sept. loth. 1920. , 



n 



or lodges. 



KIND WORDS FROM FRIENDS. 

Rev. A. G. Dornheim. of Pennsylva- 
nia, when sending in a contribution to the 
Association wrote Secretary Phillips : 

"I am glad the Cynosure continues to 
shed a clear, unwavering light upon the 
variant forms of Secretism. This service 
really deserves the gratitude of both 
those who love secretism, revealing to 
them a cause which would undoubtedly 
be much worse than it is without this 
light, and to those who oppose secretism, 
showing them clearly the nature of the 
power they are opposing. - 

"I wish you continued good health of 
soul and body and many victories over 
Satan.'' 



A friend in ^Michigan wrote us re- 



cently: "I am particularly interested in 
the 'Brotherhood of Railroad Clerks and 
Freight Handlers.' I have belonged to 
them myself some fifteen years ago, but 
conscience did not permit me to remain 
one of them. It was at that time an 
oath-bound secret society and it w'as not 
permitted to have religious services in 
their lodge meetings." 



A minister in Xew York writes : 'T 
cannot renew- my subscription to the 
Cynosure, not because I do not agree 
with the Cause the paper represents and 
defends, but my only reason is having 
such a small salary, that I cannot pay the 
subscription. Later on, if my finances 
have improved I will renew. I stand 



with you in the same fight 
secret oath-bound societies. 
Your paper has been of such good ser- 
vice in this fight ! Don't feel, therefore, 
offended that I cannot renew my sub- 
scription for the coming year." 



Another pastor who is holding up the 
truth in Iowa also is unable to continue 
his subscription and writes: "Aly sub- 
scription to the Christian Cynosure 
expires with the September issue. I am 
sorry that I am forced to discontinue it 
for a while. I cannot aft'ord to pay 
$1.50 at the present time, so it may be 
that the discontinuation is only tempo- 
rary. Y"ou are doing a great work. ^lay 
God bless it in the future as He has done 
in the past, and open the eyes of many 
who have been caught in the lodge net." 



If any of our readers wish to do a little 
missionary work the above aft'ords a 
good opportunity, by paying for a year's 
subscription to cither of the above pas- 
tors. \\'e receive many such letters dur- 
ing each month and should several reply 
to the above their remittances will be 
used in sending the magazine to ministers 
who are not able to pay for their sub- 
scription at present on account of H. 
C. L. 



From an Evangelist of Iowa we re- 
ceived the following: "\Vill you kindly 
let me know if you can supply me with 
your tract 'Freemasonry,' the first three 
degrees, and the tract 'Odd Fellowship a 
Religious Institution and Rival of the 
Christian Church'? Also, kindly send 
me a sample copy of your Christian 
Cynosire magazine. I am doing what 
I can to keep people out of the secret so- 
cieties and to get those who are already 
in to come out from among them. Just 
yesterday a young man came to me and 
told me what I had said about the lodge 
while teaching his Sunday School class 
was the means of his giving up Masonry 
after he had already taken two degrees 
and was about to take the third. I never 
speak out against the lodge without some 
saying I had helped them. I told the 
Lord that I would speak out against the 
sin of the lodge as well as all other forms 
of sin." 



STANDARD WORKS 

ON 

Secret Societies 



MODERN PROPHETS of BAAL 

OR 

WATCHMEN on ZION'S WALLS 

By President C. A. Blanchard, 

This is_ a tract especially intended for ministers. The term Baalism in referring to 
^.lasonry is used figuratively. ** If we say Lord to any one who is not God, then we 
are worshipers of Baal and if we, who are religious teachers, call any one Lord 
except the true God, then we are prophets of Baal." This tract, in addition to setting 
forth the real relation of Masonic ministers to a heathen system, also gives the reasons 
why Christian preachers become prophets of Baal. 

In the appendix there is a chapter on Masonic Theology, taken from Mackey's "Masonic 
RituaHst", the author being the well known Past General Grand High Priest of the General 
Grand Chapter of the United States. There is also A Word to Bible Students, by Dean 
J. M. Gray, D. D., of the Moody Bible Institute, and there is a page of Bible quotations 
which are important in this connection. 

Thirty-two pages; Single copies three cents, per hundred, $2.00 postpaid. 

Address 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago Ills. 



Knights of Columbus 

ILLUSTRATED 

A COMPLETE RITUAL AND HISTORY OF THE FIRST 
THREE DEGREES, INCLUDING ALL SECRET 
'^WORK'S FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY A FORMER 
MEMBER OF THE ORDER. 

This work gives the proper position of each officer during the 
meetings, the proper manner of conducting the business of 
the Knights of Columbus, order of opening and closing 
of the Lodge, dress of candidates, ceremony of initiation; giving 
the signs, grips, pass words, etc. Convenient pocket size. 

Paper Covers - - - $ .75 
Cloth - - - - 1.00 

National Christian Association 

850 W. Madison Street CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 




VOL. LIII. No. 7. 



CHICAGO, NOVEMBER, 1920. 



No. 7. 




How Shall We Vote? 



League of Nations at Work 



Comments on Sunday School Lesson 



Freemasonry and the Y. M. C. A. 



Civil War Veterans 



Anarchism in America 




OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAF 



A'OL. LIII. No. 



CHICAGO 



NOVEMBER, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

PuMlshed Monthly by the National Christian 
Association. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 



TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE — Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scriba for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In such cases, if we are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not regu* 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wi 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should b« addressed to 
Wm. I. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 
Entered as Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 

Ht the Post OfBce at Chicago, 111., under Act of 

Mar«'a 8, 1879. 



Our Present-Day Attitude Toward the 

Lodge, by Rev. J. R. Graebner 209 

What's in a Name? — The Kahlcgram 213 

Grand ! Great Grand ! ! 213 

Miners' Strike Blow at Union Labor. — 

Chicago Tribune 214 

The Back Trail, by an "Eastern Star".. 214 
Benevolence or Injustice, by Dr. George 

A. Pegram • . .' 215 

News of Our Work : 

Eastern Secretary's Report, Rev. W. B. 
Stoddard 217 

"Lizzie W^oods' Letter," Mrs. L. W. 
Roberson 219 

Contributions 220 

Church of the Brethren 220 

Resolutions : Classis Grand Rapids 
West Christian Reformed Church ; 
and Classis Grand River Reformed 

Church 220 

Glad Tidings •• 220 

Members Silence Ministers 221 

Snapshots at Secrecy, by Truthful 

Thomas ••.... 221 

World Peace, by W. H. Davis 223 

Knight Templars' Dav, poem, by Ernest 

M. Wheeler ' 223 



NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



r^l^MTCMTTC President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 

V-.\Jil 1 EjTi 1 O Vice-President, Rev. Wm. B. Rose. 

~ Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 

Prayer to the^ God of Masonry, by Robert ^ ^ logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. I. 

^■^i-- -Kay, o_i • • J- -JO -pj. • 1 1 • 

How Shall We Vote? 196 ^l^^^^ips. 

A Call for Light, by Mrs. Nora E. Kel- 

logg 196 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

League of Nations at Work, by Raymond Walter Wietzke, A. W. Safiford, G. W. 

^- Posdick 196 Hylkema, Wm. P. Ferries, T. R. Shaf- 

Principles of Christian Living, by Rev. . ^ jTv/r-r»-c-n» 

Adam Murrmann, or Comments on Sun- ler, G. W. Bond, M. P. F. Doermami, 

day School Lesson for November 7, A. H. Leaman, C. A. Blanchard, George 

1990 . . 198 ^ . 

■^ " ''[,' ^r'Vir'r^Vi " Slager and Thos. C. McKnidit. 

Freemasonry and the Y. M. C. A., bv ^ * 

Pres. Charles A. Blanchard '.199 

Civil War Veterans 200 LECTURERS. 

A Standard for \Mork.—W oodman & Co. Those desiring lectures or addresses 

Review 201 may write to any of the speakers named 

Court Upholds Right to 'Tire" Union hplnw • 

Rail Utn.— Chicago Tribune 201 ^^^'""^ ' 

A Curious Stipulation.— C/;W.y/u7;; States- Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 

waw. 202 Falls Church, Virginia 

Anarchism in America, by Rev. Grant ^^^ i^^^ j^^^^ Murrman, Slatington, Pa. 

Doctor Tarred and Feathered by Frat- ^ev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 

Chicago Herald-Examiner 204 Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Tu^ -r^^^'.'^T^ , poem ^ ^^^ Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24th 

The Hopi Indians 204 Of a f A V 

The Question of the Hour, by E. E. •' s > • 

Flagg (continued) •■ 205 Pres. C. A. Blanchard, Wheaton, 111 



There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
saved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus anawerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have I 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 



PRAYER TO THE GOD OF MASONRY. 

BY ROBERT M. RAY, 32°. 

Allah, Vishnu, Agni, Thor, Osiris, loved 

by all, 
Ahura, Mazda, Royal King, hear thou 

my humble call, 
Isa, Luna, Blessed Ra, to men on earth 

revealed. 
By land and sky and boundless seas, to 

thee my will I yield. 
Dread Jove, Lord of the Thunder, God 

of the starlit sky, 
I lift my voice in suppliance and for thy 

guidance cry. 
Oh, ]\Ierodach, a sacrifice^ — a contrite 

heart I bring ; 
Dear unknown God, Thou only God, ni}' 

lips thy praises sing. 
The one God, Thou true God, to whom 

all prayers ascend. 
At any name they call thee, my knees be- 
fore thee bend. 
And may my weak petitions with others 

vows arise 
And reach thee. Great Jehovah, Thou 

Ruler of the skies. 

The Neiv Age — Organ of Scotch Rite 
Masons — April, 1920. 



HOW SHALL WE VOTE? 

Several have written the Cynosure 
asking counsel and suggestions in the 
use of the ballot at the forthcoming elec- 
tion for president. 

Answering one writer we will say 
that voting for a Mason for office is 
not the same as voting favorably for a 
Mason to be one's pastor. \\'e hold with 
ex-President Charles G. Finney that a 
minister who "determinately and intelli- 
gently adheres to Masonry has no right 
to membershi]) in a Christian church," 
much less fill its pulpit. 

But all kinds of men are citizens and 
have the right to offer themselves for 
the votes of the people. It is not out of 
character for them to do so whether they 



are Masons or Mormons, as it is out of 
character for a minister of Baal to seek 
a Christian pulpit. 

There are two kinds of voters : those 
who vote to win, and consider it the 
greatest calamity if they ''throw their 
vote away" ; the second class are not 
looking so much for immediate success 
as for future benefits to the country, 
and they cast a testifying vote for impor- 
tant measures not found in the plat- 
forms of the dominant parties. Such 
was the Abolition vote in the past and 
that in the present of the Prohibition 
and perhaps of the Farmer-Labor vote. 

It is virtue for a man to do the best 
that he can under the circumstances. 
Every man must, however, be persuaded 
in his own mind and act accordingly. 

If a man's only chance to vote is a 
choice between two Masons, it would 
not be wrong for him to vote for the 
one whom he considers most likely to 
serve the country best. There are ]\Ia- 
sons v.ho v;ill not allow their Masonic 
affiliations to sway them in carrying out 
their obligations to 'their countr}\ The 
well known case of Judge Daniel H. 
Whitney of Belvidere, 111., is in point. 
There arc, on the other hand. Masons 
who will fa\or ^Masonrx- and Masons 
without regard to their obligations to 
their fellow citizens. And the obliga- 
tions of ^Masonry itself are in hannony 
with the action of this second class of 
lodge men. This is illustrated also in 
the action of the Grand Lodge of Illi- 
nois in the said Daniel H. Whitney case. 

The writer does not believe it would 
be wrong for a j^erson not to vote at all 
this fall, if the vote must be for one or 
other of the leading candidates. We 
certainly ought to "render to Caesar the 
tilings that are Caesar's," but in the pres- 
ent campaign it is difficult for some to 
see how we can do anvthin"' for Caesar. 



196 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



that is to serve our country, by voting 
for either Cox or Harding. 

We have also received the following 
from an influential member of the Na- 
tional Christian Association : 

''I should advise voting for one of 
the candidates, since there is no choice 
from our anti-Masonic viewpoint. ' I 
would hardly think it w-ise to sacrifice 
the right of suffrage when so many tre- 
mendous issues are involved." 



A CALL FOR LIGHT. 

Less than a month remams before we 
must choose by our ballots the man who 
shall be our next president. 

Though the Republicans have had men 
who have proven their ability in great 
crises, to manage national affairs, men 
well-known in America and other lands, 
they have nominated a man for the presi- 
dency wdiose name, even, not one in ten 
thousand of the people of the United 
States had probably ever hea^^d, and a 
man, who, not content to be a man, has 
voluntarily become an Elk! 

A free nation must be composed of 
Christian homes. The. unit of the na- 
tion is the home. But the Democratic 
convention in San Francisco presents as 
its choice for presideht a man who is 
not the best example for us in his home, 
and who is also on the down-grade as 
a man, for he, too, is an Elk! 

AVill not the Christian Cynosure 
show its patriotism by letting its light 
shine upon capable, Christian men for 
whom w'e may vote? 

(Mrs.) Nora E. Kellogg. 



The national headquarters of the Pro- 
hibition Party gave us to understand that 
Aaron S. Watkins, their candidate for 
president, is not a member of any secret 
society. 



Parley Parker Christensen of Utah, 
candidate for president of the Farmer- 
Labor Party of the United States is an 
Odd-Fellow and an Elk^ as we were in- 
formed at the national party headquar- 
ters here in Chicago. 



nant political parties, Bro. Delmar D. 
Darrah, editor of the Illinois Freema- 
son, wrote to Bro. John P. McCune, of 
Columbus, Ohio, and asked for the exact 
record, Masonically, of these two men, 
and received the reply which follows. 
The Craft may accept this information 
as authentic and it should clear up the 
whole question to the satisfaction of 
everybody : 

"Answering yours of August loth, w^ill 
say that W. G. Harding was made an 
Entered Apprentice in a lodge at Ma- 
rion, O., a good many years ago, and 
was then stopped by an editor of a rival 
nev/spaper who has never consented to 
withdraw same, notwithstanding the ef- 
forts of several of the brethren of that 
lodge and their earnest desire that this 
be done. 

''James M. Cox is a member of a lodge 
at Middletown, Ohio, and some three 
years ago he applied to Ohio Chapter in 
Columbus and was blackballed by some- 
one, probably a political opponent, and 
has never since made any further effort 
to proceed, as far as I know. It is an 
unfortunate situation in . both instances 
and to be regretted, but such are facts." 
— Masonic Flome Journal. September 15, 
1920. 



HARDING AND COX MASONICALLY. 

In reply to numerous inquiries as to 
the Masonic standing of Harding and 
Cox, presidential nominees of the domi- 



LEAGUE OF NATIONS AT WORK. 

By Raymond B. Fosdick. 

1. The League of Nations is now 
composed of thirty-nine member nations, 
representing seven-eighths of the people 
of the globe. Practically all the nations 
of the world have joined it except the 
United States, Russia, Mexico and the 
ex-enemy countries. It seems probable 
that Germany and Austria will be ad- 
mitted at the meeting of the Assembly 
of the League to be held at Geneva in 
November. It is significant that the Ger- 
mans participated fully at the Interna- 
tional Seamen's Conference of the 
League at Genoa, and not only the Ger- 
mans but the Austrians, Hungarians and 
Bulgarians have been invited to the In- 
ternational Financial Conference of the 
League at Brussels on September 24. 

2. The range of the League's work 
may be indicated by the following sched- 
ule of its meetings. Parenthetically, it 
should be noted that the League's policy 
is to hold its meetings in as many differ- 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



197 



ent countries as possible. The Council 
of the League has Keld sessions in Lon- 
don, Paris, Rome and San Sebastian ; 
the International Labor Conference of 
the League met at Washington, the In- 
ternational Seamen's Conference of the 
League at Genoa, the Jurists' Advisory 
Committee at The Hague, the Interna- 
tional Health Conference at London, the 
International Ports and Waterways Con- 
ference at Paris, the Armaments Com- 
mission at San Sebastian. The Finan- 
cial Conference will soon meet at Brus- 
sels and the Transit Conference at Bar- 
celona. 

3. The Armaments Commission of 
the League (provided for by Article IX 
of the covenant) has been organized 
and is now at work on the beginnings of 
a plan of universal disarmament for 
submission to the nations of the w^orld. 

4. A permanent Mandates Commis- 
sion has been appointed, as provided for 
in Article XXII of the covenant, to su- 
pervise the administration of the terri- 
tories and peoples freed from German 
and Turkish rule. The application of 
this new principle is vitally important 
to us, not only from the standpoint of 
freedom of trade for American com- 
merce, but still more from the stand- 
point of establishing a system of jus- 
tice which will prevent backward coun- 
tries from becoming the tinderbox of fu- 
ture wars. 

5. The plans for a Permanent Court 
of International Justice have been com- 
pleted and are ready for submission to 
the Assembly of the League at its meet- 
ing in November. Mr. Root served as 
a member of this particular subdivision 
of the League's activity. 

6. The Council will place before the 
Assembly in November the proposal for 
a joint committee to work out the plans 
and principles of economic blockade as 
the strongest guarantee of world peace 
and the greatest restraint on a bandit 
nation that the countries of the world 
have ever agreed to put into effect. 

7. The Financial Conference called 
by the League of N'ations for the last 
of this month is the most important in- 
ternational gathering since the Confer- 
ence of Versailles. The League has 
brought together a mass of information 
on world economic matters such as has 



ne\er been available before, covering 
such subjects as international finance, 
credits, currency, exchange, etc. 

8. Single-handed in Poland, with 
funds provided by its members, the 
League is fighting the typhus epidemic, 
doing its best to keep back from the rest 
of the world the flood of this fearful 
scourge. The estimated cost of this 
work is $15,000,000. The United States 
has no part in the financing. 

9. The League is undertaking the 
task of repatriating the half million 
prisoners of war — Russians, Germans, 
Poles, Hungarians, Rumanians, etc. — 
who, due to lack of transit facilities, are 
still retained in enemy countries. It is 
estimated that 100,000 of these men will 
be returned to their homes before Christ- 
mas. 

10. The League has established an In- 
ternational Health Ofiice, a bureau to 
fight the international exploitation of 
opium and other drugs, and a division 
to supppress the international trade in 
women and girls. 

These points represent the main activi- 
ties ^f the League in the seven months 
of its existence. It is far from 
"wrecked." It is going ahead most cour- 
ageously, rapidly organizing its work, 
regardless of the L^nited States. We 
cannot destroy it, nor-can we substitute 
another league in its place. Indeed, the 
latter contention is the sheerest absurd- 
ity. AA'e have only two choices — to stay 
outside of a community of nations or- 
ganized for co-operation and peace and 
thereby lose our whole place in the 
world, or to come into the League (with 
reservations, if we think necessary) and 
put our shoulder to the wheel in ail those 
great movements for which American 
foreign policy has always stood. — TJic 
Chicago Evening Post. September 14, 
1920. 



THE GRAND LODGE WHICH ISN'T. 

Ancient and Honorable Order of Ho- 
babs. N'ever heard of them ? Neither 
have we. Our old world is crowded 
with orders and brotherhoods, many of 
which must have been founded in the 
ark, judging by their zoological names 
and emblems, and the end is not yet. 
There is room, however, for one great 
new order — The Order of Hobabs. — 
(Num. 10:31). 



198 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



Christians can never impress the world 
by agreeing with it. We cannot expect 
to o\ercome temptation, if we go where 
the de\il lives and where he does his 
work. 



PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN LIVING. 

BY REV. ADAM MURRMAN, ARENA, WIS. 

An antilodge outline of the Sunday school 
lesson for November 7th, 1920. Math. 6:19- 
34. 

Golden Text: "Seek ye first the king- 
dom of God and his righteousness, and 
all these things shall be added unto you." 
The language of the Lord 
And the lingo of the Lodge. 

Please note three things in this lesson 
wherein the lodges take issue with the 
Lord, as indicated in the following divi- 
sions : 

I. 

"Laying-up" to Loose. Verses 19 to 21. 

It is possible for the Christian to 
transmute his material possessions into 
heavenly values ; to so invest his surplus 
funds that they will add to his spiritual 
and eternal possessions ; but never by 
using them to further the intereslis of 
organizations which violate the prin- 
ciples of Jesus in such ways as the lodges 
do, or in buying fraternal insurance of 
such enemies of Jesus Christ. 

When the moral and spiritual aspects 
of the lodge question are pressed con- 
vincingly upon the conscience of the av- 
erage Christian, he usually pleads : ''It 
is only for the insurance" that he is in 
the lodge at all, never once suspecting 
that his very ''defense" is an added in- 
dictment against him. 

What need has the child of God to 
seek the help of a Christ rejecting lodge, 
and what right has he to accept it at the 
cost of the compromises involved? 

This Sunday school lesson tells us of 
the great advantage of "Paternal Insur- 
ance" over the merely "fraternal insur- 
ance" of forbidden brotherhoods, and 
points out so clearly the truth that our 
Heavenly Father, who so amply feeds 
the fowls of the air, and so grandly 
clothes the flowers of the field, has not 
left man, made in his likeness and re- 
deemed by the blood of his Son, to the 
necessity of going down into Egypt for 
help, or of being unequally yoked to- 
gether with unbelievers, or of disobeying 



his plain instructions in any particular, 
in order to insure for him the same 
divine care and protection that is ac- 
corded by Him constantly, to His lesser 
creatures. 

The logic of our Lord is that the 
fowls are fed, and the flowers are finely 
clad because they live their lives in the 
will of God, and that man will not fare 
worse if he does the same. 

But the lodges teach God's people to 
ignore the will of God, to violate the 
Word of God, to neglect the work of 
God, to corrupt the w^orship of God, and 
even to seek to take the place of God by 
offering His people a safer, saner, and 
more satisfying "provision" in their 
times of need. 

All the "fraternal insurance" offered 
by secret organizations ends at death, 
while the "paternal insurance" of our 
Heavenly Father offered to all, who live 
their lives in the will of God, is good for 
both this life and the life to come and is 
more secure for his "children" than for 
his "creatures." 

II. 

Living in the Light. Verses 22 and 23. 

The Christian is a child of Light and 
has no spiritual afifinity with darkness ; 
he believes in doing things "in the open" 
and "above board," he has nothing to 
hide ; he aims to answer with his Master, 
"Ir secret have I said nothing," some- 
thing no lodge man can honestly say. 
It is strange, indeed, that some Christian 
men cannot see that the "light," which 
Masonry offers is itself darkness in that 
*it throws the mantle of secrecy over all 
it does, swearing its members as does 
Masonry in vulgar oaths to "ever con- 
ceal, and never reveal" the doings of the 
lodge ; sv/earing them to do this while as 
yet ignorant of the merits of the case ; 
and counting these oaths binding with- 
out regard to the moral quality of the 
things done ! Surely, "the light that is 
in them is darkness," and "how great is 
that darkness !" It is by reason of this 
fact alone, that such institutions as Ma- 
sonry and her progeny should be con- 
demned by all intelligent and honorable 
men as unnecessary, un-American, and 
un-Christian institutions. For as Wen- 
dell Phillips has said, "secret societies 
are not needed for any good purpose, 
and may be used for any evil purpose 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



199 



whatsoever." The Christian puts a pre- 
mium on puijlicity,. while the lodgeman 
puts a muzzle on it and upon the man. 
III. 
Loyal to the Lord. Verses 24-26. 

"No man can serve two Masters," so 
said our Lord, but some lodge members 
differ with Him by saying that it is pos- 
sible to believe sincerely that "no man 
Cometh unto the Father but by me 
(Christ)," and yet join in worship of 
God with men who profane the name of 
Christ, who spit in contempt at the men- 
tion of it, and who prohibt its use en- 
tirely in the prayers, songs, and bene- 
dictions of their lodges. 

These two Masters — the "Lord" and 
the "Lodge" are so dift'erent in their 
principles, so unlike in their spirit and 
so opposite in their demands that no 
man can serve them both at the same 
time, and it is because so many in our 
churches today are trying to perform 
this impossible feat that so much failure 
marks our work. 

It was Dr. A. J. Gordon's testimony 
that he had never known a good lodge 
man who was also a good church man. 
This is also because he who tries to 
serve two such Masters is in that very 
attempt serving the wrong one, for the 
right One says in this lesson that it can- 
not be done and therefore should never 
be attempted. 



FREEMASONRY AND THE Y. M. C A, 

i'.V I'RESIDENT CHARLES A. BLANCHARD. 

It is very remarkable to notice how 
diligent Freemasons are in advertising 
their Christless church. For example, I 
have in my hand a copy of The Baptist 
of August 14th, 1920. In the latter part 
of this paper there are notes on various 
interesting subjects. One of these notes 
is entitled "Give Credit Where Credit Is 
Due." The article is apparently a de- 
fence of the Young Men's Christian 
Association. Statistics are furnished as 
to the relative amount of work and cost 
of work done by the Young Men's 
Christian Association, the Knights of 
Columbus, the Salvation Army and the 
Jewish Welfare Board. In this article 
there are two paragraphs which are ad- 
vertisements of the Freemasons. One 
of them reads as follows : 

"The above ma}- be considered as a gen- 



eral statement that has no special interest 
to Masons, but there are certain facts which 
make the subject a vital one to the Masonic 
institution, and it- is for this reason that we 
herewith present some facts that should be 
more generally known, and when they are 
known, we believe the relative value and 
efficiency of the organization participating in 
the war will be the better appreciated." 

W^hen I was reading the article it 
seemed strange to me that this ^lasonic 
admission should be inserted in an ar- 
ticle which professed to be a defence of 
the Young Men's Christian Association, 
but I read on and toward the close of the 
article I found another ^lasonic adver- 
tisement which reads as follows : 

"The inability of Masonic organizations 
to secure permission to enter camps at 
home and abroad and care for their breth- 
ren in the service was compensated for, in 
part, by the work of this splendid Protestant 
organization. Investigation shows that from 
65 to 70 per cent of the Y. ]\I. C. A. secre- 
taries abroad were Alasons, and their huts 
an*d areas were the rendezvous of members 
of the fraternity, and thereby they had the 
benefit of fraternal fellowship that other- 
wise would have been denied them. 

'Tn view of the above facts, it is but a 
just recognition of the Y. M. C. A. in gen- 
eral, and our brethren who served as secre- 
taries in particular, that the attention of 
Masons be called to the vicious attacks that 
ns: into consideration 
(he source from which such propaganda em- 
anates. Let us give to this organization the 
credit that is its due, and commend it fa- 
vorablv for the difficult work it has accom- 
plished." 

Glancing down on the end of the 
article I found the name of a ^lasonic 
paper, Tyler-Keystone, showin that 
the article is not a Baptist article, but a 
lodge article taken from a lodge paper 
and intended to produce the impression 
that a great many of the Y. ]\I. C. A. 
men were Freemasons. This, of course, 
was for the purpose of securing more 
money and more men for the lodges. 

As to the facts in the case, I have no 
information. Y'ou will observe that the 
writer says, "inxestigation shows," but 
he does not tell us who made the in- 
\'estigation nor what the source of the 
investigation was. Our experience with 
Masonic reports of this kind leads us 
to doubt every statement until it is con- 
firmed by impartial witnesses. It may 
be true that 65 per cent to 70 per cent of 
the \'. ]\I. C. A. secretaries abroad were 
■Masons. It may be true that the huts 
and areas Avhich were erected bv the 



200 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



friends of the soldiers for refugees were 
used as rendezvous for the Freemasons 
and that they thus had Masonic club 
houses furnished them at the expense of 
others, that also being quite like false 
religions. They never wish to pay their 
own bills, but always to live by levying 
a tax in some way upon others. 

The Baptist churches of the country 
have been more free from Masonic cor- 
ruptions than almost any others. In the 
great anti-Masonic movement of 1826- 
1835 Baptist preachers and churches 
were leaders. The democratic constitu- 
tion of Baptist churches naturally sep- 
arates them from organizations of des- 
potic character like Freemasonry and 
kindred orders. 

All observing people know that at the 
present time there is a great effort to 
secure additional members, and one of 
the methods employed by the Freemasons 
is to get free advertising wherever it is 
possible. Along with this is the pushing 
of the claims of Freemasonry to great 
men of all sorts and kinds. At present 
the name of Washington is being driven 
day and night in this direction. We 
purpose, if God permit, to make a some- 
w^hat detailed examination of the effort 
to secure patronage by the use of his 
name. Meanwhile will Christian people 
understand that we are not in a time 
when the lodges are asleep, but when 
they are active and enterprising and de- 
ceiving, if possible, even the very elect. 



CIVIL WAR VETERANS. 

The report of the Commissioner of 
Pensions shows that there were on the 
Pension Roll, December 31, 1919, 259,- 
830 Civil War veterans. 

The total number of the members of 
the Grand Army of the Republic on De- 
cember 31, 1919, were 103,258. 

It would appear therefore that on said 
date there were 156,572 more Civil War 
veterans outside of the Grand Army 
than in it. 

The G. A. R. Adjutant .General com- 
ments upon the above facts in his an- 
nual report of last September. 

"This is astounding. How an honor- 
ably discharged soldier, sailor or marine 
can remain outside of the Grand Army, 
the greatest patriotic society that has 
ever been established or ever will exist. 



compoesd of men who shot to death se- 
cession, rebellion and human slavery, is 
beyond my comprehension." 

The G. A. R. is organized on lines 
that many old soldiers cannot conscien- 
tiously accept. If it had the good sense 
and patriotism to cut out its oaths and 
religion and invite the Civil War veter- 
ans to unite on the same basis that the 
American Legion accepts members, we 
believe it would meet the approval of the 
majority of the old soldiers of the Civil 
War, who now constitute the majority 
of those "who shot to death secession, 
rebellion and human slavery." The atti- 
tude of the G. A. R. towards the major- 
ity of the Civil War veterans has been, 
down to the present time, childish. As 
an illustration of the general course, take 
the successful effort which they made 
to prevent any of the old veterans se- 
curing the reduced fare to the recent 
National Encampment unless he could 
show himself in good standing in their 
lodge. 

The suspending of a goodly number 
of these aged G. A. R. members and the 
upbraiding of them for continuing to 
wear their G. A. R. buttons seems to us 
under the circumstances pitiably childish, 
though it is admitted that the emblem of 
any organization strictly speaking is for 
those only who are in good standing. 
See the report on this matter by the Ad- 
jutant General of the G. A. R., who sub- 
mits his report "in Faith, Charity and 
Love." 

The trouble with the G. A. R., and 
the reason why the majority of the old 
soldiers are outside of it, is its secret 
lodge form of organization, which, in 
other words is organized selfishness, not- 
withstanding all the good it has done to 
its members. 



A STANDARD FOR WORK. 

If a grocer sells fourteen ounces of 
sugar and charges the customer for a 
pound, he is liable to penalty for misde- 
meanor or some such offense, because 
we have a law fixing the standard of 
weights and measures. The merchant 
who lets a clerk sell short lengths in 
cloth runs in danger of this statute. It 
is against the common interest to permit 
cheating or to set forth less than a cer- 
tain standard of value when the buyer 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



201 



asks for a certain amount and pays for 
it. 

It is also to the' public interest that 
there be established a certain standard 
for a day's work. Union leaders should 
not object to this, as they are very fond 
of mouthing the phrase, ''standard of 
living," as if that were the only standard 
worth preserving. We need a standard 
for day's work because labor is evading 
giving the public full measure of value. 
It has given less and less year by year, 
in spite of the fact that the daily wage 
has risen without interruption. 

Labor, misled by its so-called leaders, 
has steadfastly schemed to cut down the 
measure of return to those who pay for 
a day's work. The bricklayer has his 
output limited by union rules, and the 
number of bricks laid is less than a third 
of what used to be laid a few years ago 
by competent workmen. We have heard 
of one locality where union rules have 
cut down the size of the painter's brush 
in order that the measure of service may 
be reduced. In a certain foundry a 
w^orkman was seen to turn out only one 
large casting whereas two had been his 
portion for several years. When asked 
what had caused the slump in his out- 
put he replied that he had lately joined 
the union and the rules of the organiza- 
tion forbade him to turn out more than 
one casting. 

Competition From Abroad. 

Unless organized labor sees fit to 
change its tactics the so-called ''Ameri- 
can standard for labor" cannot be main- 
tained. This country has been able to 
pay high wages because production was 
large. That production was large chiefly 
because labor saving devices were in- 
stalled in our leading industries. These 
appliances are at the command of our 
competitors in other countries, and if we 
cannot make the goods cheaply here, 
there are others abroad who can do so 
and sell them here at levels which we 
cannot meet. 

Then we shall face unemployment in 
real earnest, and despite the protests of 
walking delegates and federation heads 
wages will go down. The law of nature 
will be more potent than the edict of 
those who preside over the destinies of 
the unions. 

It is entirely unnecessary that the 



world or any part of it should have to 
meet such a crisis. If it comes it will 
be due to the almost criminal stupidity 
of the leaders of organized labor. Let 
wages stand as they are ! Let prices go 
down to increase the purchasing power 
of the wage dollar! But labor must do 
its part. It must fix a higher standard 
for its own efforts. It need never be 
afraid of overproduction. Increased 
production means more wealth, more 
earning power, more spending power, 
higher standards of living for all instead 
of higher standards of living for a few ! 
— Woolnian & Co. Review. 



COURT UPHOLDS RIGHT TO "FIRE" 
UNION RAIL MEN. 

Washington. D. C, September 3. — 
[Special.] — The right to unionize does 
not supersede an employer's right to dic- 
tate terms of employment, nor to dis- 
charge employes who join a labor union 
or continue membership therein against 
his wishes, according to a decision to- 
day by Justice Siddons of the District 
Supreme Court. 

This ruling was made in denying an 
injunction to the Brotherhood of Rail- 
road Trainmen against the \\'ashington 
and Old Dominion railway. 

"The right to labor is a personal right," 
the court said, "which inheres in the in- 
dividual, and a corollary to that the 
right not to work must equally be recog- 
nized." 

The decision adds : 

"Its duty is to give eft'ect to the au- 
thoritative opinions and decisions of the 
Supreme tribunal (United States Su- 
preme Court), which give the company 
the right to dismiss its employes if they 
join a labor union." — Chicago Tribune, 
September 4, 1920. 



A CURIOUS STIPULATION. 

A local labor union at San Jose. Calif., 
has soberly proposed an amendment lo 
the constitution of the Ignited Brother- 
hood of Carpenters and Joiners of Amer- 
ica to the effect that no members, legal 
heirs, or wife's legal heirs will be en- 
titled to funeral donation unless the de- 
ceased is buried in a coffin or casket 
bearing the label of the Ignited Brother- 
hood of C^arpenters and Joiners of 
America. This proposal has been sent 



202 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



Nov 



1920. 



to labor headquarters at \\'ashington for 
sanction. It is explained that the ob- 
ject of the movement is to create a bet- 
ter demand for union-made coffins. 

\\>11. now, that is pushing unionism 
pretty far; clear up to the cemetery! 
The member's body must rest in a casket 
bearing the orthodox stamp, or the fu- 
neral donation of the order will not be 
forthcoming. 

There is a true field for labor unions 
that are not secret, unjust, or arrogant, 
and that do not trespass on the right of 
the individual. They can do much for 
the cause of labor; but when it comes to 
dictating even the brand of casket a man 
must rest in when he is dead, that is a 
narrow policy that must react upon the 
influence of such organizations with the 
general public. — Christian Statesman. 



ANARCHISM IN AMERICA. 



The ''Reds" and Their Relatives. 

BY REV. GRANT STROH. 

When formerly we read of anarchy it 
made little impression upon us — it was 
so far away. What mattered it to us if 
it was in Russia? Yet even today when 
the ''Reds" have started to invade Amer- 
ica, the people of the United States as a 
whole seem little concerned. Few realize 
that the free institutions of America are 
actually threatened and endangered. 

\\'e need no longer be in the dark as 
to the objective of the anarchists. They 
are against everything that is good and 
that we hold dear. They would not only 
confiscate the property of the rich, but 
also of the moderately thrifty. In a 
communalist society each individual must 
be on exactly the same equality as every 
other individual. Recognition of proper- 
ty rights and the general sense of moral- 
ity must be broken down. 

Lawless and defiant, the radicals have 
been, and are conducting a propaganda 
against the church and all religions, and 
against the institution of the family. 
Their circulating libraries contain works 
well-worn, attacking the' institution of 
marriage and the worship of the Chris- 
tian God in any form. Prostitution is 
extolled and the virtuous woman laughed 
to scorn. It is claimed such libraries are 
to be found in nearly all radical head- 
quarters. 



Against the Government. 

Communists hold that our government, 
organized for the protection of the peo- 
ple's property and personal rights, and 
for freedom of religious worship, must 
be destroyed. The Haymarket riot in 
Chicago, years ago, was the first outbreak 
of the criminal anarchists in our midst. 
Two of our presidents and many public 
officials have been assassinated by them. 
Of late the mails have been used with 
this intent. Ingenious and skilful use 
of chemicals and mechanical contrivances 
have become altogether too common, but 
they have served to temporarily arouse 
the public to the evil that is in our midst. 

However altruistic their claims may be 
wdth regard to the well-being of the 
masses, the end of communism is to over- 
throw our industrial system, disestablish 
our government, destroy home and 
church, and place governmental and in- 
dustrial power in the hands of men who 
by nature and training are ill-fit for the 
use of it. 

That we may wisely combat the grow- 
ing evil of this thing we must know its 
methods of working. The underlying 
method is that of sowing the seeds of 
discontent and violent revolution. To 
this end much "Red" literature is used, 
always of an inflammatory nature, ap- 
pealing to prejudice and passion and the 
greed for power. 

This literature is handled or distributed 
by the various anarchistic organizations. 
It is usually prepared in the languages 
of the foreigners who compose these or- 
ganizations. Having suffered injustice 
under European governments, many be- 
ing anarchistically inclined before immi- 
grating to this country, ill-informed 
about this government to which they have 
come, it is easily seen how acceptable 
much of this propagandist literature 
would be. 

Taught in Day and Sunday-schools. 

In some centers schoolhouses have 
been used during evening hours for the 
dissemination of anarchistic and revolu- 
tionary ideas. In the city of Rochester 
revolution was openly preached in some 
of these meeting^s, and plans made for 
the wholesale distribution of a letter 
written by Lenine to the workmen of 
America, urging the violent overthrow of 
our government. 

It also has been discovered that in 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



203 



many uf our ])iil)lic schools, even includ- 
ing our universities, many teachers have 
been teaching extreme sociahstic and 
revolutionary doctrines. In the city of 
New York, and possibly elsewhere, there 
are a number of so-called Sunday schools, 
in which the Bible and Jesus Christ are 
openly attacked, and the children are 
taught the principles and the spirit of 
anarchy. 

A systematic campaign has been con- 
ducted among the colored people of this 
country for the purpose of inciting class 
hatred and organizing them into revolu- 
tionary societies. 

In and about Archangel the Commun- 
ist Party of Russia was actively engaged 
in circulating propagandist literature 
among the American soldiers, inciting 
them to renounce the service of the Uni- 
ted States, and upon their return home 
to join the movement to overthrow the 
government. 

Adoption of New Methods 

The most recent information obtain- 
able as to the methods of the Russian 
Communist Party, which is the Bolshe- 
vists' official title, is that they no longer 
export agitators to other countries to 
kindle the fires of revolt. Instead, the 
method now is to import from other 
countries the native-born, though crude 
product of Bolshevism, bestow upon him 
certain finishing touches in Moscow, and 
ship him back home thoroughly equipped 
to handle his inflammatory propaganda. 

This work of training in Russia is 
conducted by the Third International, 
which has no official connection with the 
Soviet government. The Third Inter- 
national, with headquarters at Moscow, 
seeks to represent and unite communist 
groups the world over. It does not seem 
tc be succeeding with the English and 
French groups, and would not with us^ 
v,ere it not that our communists are so 
largely composed of foreigners. 
Remedial Action. 

Thus far our government has done 
little towards ridding the country of 
anarchists save to "keep tab" on them, 
and recently to arrest and prosecute those 
who are known to be dangerous to the 
well-being and safety of society and 
openly hostile to the government. Some 
hundreds have been deported after due 
legal procedure. This has seemed the 
wise thing to do, but nobody can regard 



it as a cure for conditions. At best it is 
only remedial. 

Sending back revolutionary radicals to 
their own countries does not change the 
world status. Xo longer are we isolated 
from the rest of the world. American 
prosperity cannot be maintained apart 
from the well-being of the remainder of 
the world. Economic, industrial, and 
trade problems are now international. 
Unless other countries prosper we shall 
in due time feel the efifects in our own 
country. 

Times have changed. As in the days 
of Lincoln our nation could not exist 
half-slave and half-free, so today, "The 
world cannot exist half Bolshevist and 
half Republican." 

Legislation at Washington is being 
formulated against the "Reds." Amend- 
ments to our lax immigration laws have 
been made with more specific provisions 
for excluding or expelling those who 
practice or teach violence against the gov- 
ernment or organized society. 

Education and Americanization of¥er 
a more practical method of procedure. 
Indeed, we cannot dispense with these. 
We must meet ignorance with knowledge. 
We can dispel darkness only with light. 
Day-schools and night-schools, with com- 
pulsory attendance, will do much towards 
transforming enemies of our government 
into friends, \^'e should also conduct a 
winsome propaganda through the printed 
page in the native tongues of those who 
come to us from foreign shores and thus 
offset the Bolshevist propaganda of 
hatred and revolution. 

The Outlook. 
As we try to peer into the future of 
the United States, taking into considera- 
tion the extreme radicalism in our midst, 
and especially the propagation of anar- 
chistic teaching, either of two extreme 
views is possible. 

( 1 ) The hopeless view, that the coun- 
try is speedily going to the "bow wows," 
and that we can do little to stay its go- 
ing. Such a view is dispiriting and un- 
true. The future is hopeful so far as our 
own government is concerned. 

(2) The rosy-tinted view, that noth- 
ing is radically wrong. Many are say- 
ing, "Just allow matters to take their 
natural course, and everything will turn 
out all right in due time." Adopting this 



204 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



second extreme view, we may fail to 
realize the possibility of danger and be 
unprepared to meet momentous issues. 
Denial of obstinate and deplorable facts 
does not destroy them. Better far to 
honestly face these facts. 

The Only Real Remedy. 

Gospelization is more needed than 
even Americanization. No light will dis- 
pel moral and spiritual darkness like the 
light of Jesus Christ. This is essential. 
All other remedies are only remedial. The 
thing that is most radically wrong is the 
hearts of men. 

The church has the only remedy, but 
is she making full use of it? The old 
gospel has power today to transform 
men and society, and to eradicate civil 
and industrial wrongs, as in the days of 
the cruel abuses, of the idolatrous and 
degenerate Roman Empire in the time of 
the apostle Paul. 

If only the church would arouse her- 
self and equip herself for the work, mak- 
ing use of spiritual weapons instead of 
carnal, repent of her own sins of indif- 
ference and worldliness and lack of faith, 
then God could use her mightily in this 
dear old land of ours, so that hate would 
give place to holiness, and greed would 
give place to God.^ — The Christian Work- 
ers' Magazine. 



whole proceeding, whistling and singing 
all the time. — Chicago Herald and Exam- 
iner, June 1 8, 1920. 



DOCTOR TARRED AND FEATHERED 
BY FRAT. 

West Orange, N. J., June 17. — Ex- 
hibiting bruises all over his body, Dr. 
Howard Applegate, a dentist, appeared 
before Police Recorder Lander today and 
said he was ''tarred and feathered" and 
left in the woods for over three hours 
Tuesday night as part of an initiation 
into a secret fraternity. 

He preferred charges of assault and 
battery against nine members of the Beta 
Sigma Fraternity of the West Orange 
High School Alumni. 

Dr. Applegate alleges he was stripped 
of his clothing and a bucket of tar poured 
over him and leaves stuck on the tar. 

'T was forced to stand in that condi- 
tion and threatened that if I moved they 
w^ould stone me," he said. 

One of the nine men arrested denied 
that Dr. Applegate had been mistreated, 
saying the doctor seemed to enjoy the 



THE PESSIMIST. 

Nothing to do but work, 
Nothing to cat but food; 

Nothing to wear but clothes 
'Lo keep one from going nude. 

Nothing to breathe but air; 

Quick as a flash 'tis gone; 
Nowhere to fall but off. 

Nowhere to stand but on. 

Nothing' to comb but hair, 

Nowhere to sleep but in bed ; 

Nothing to weep but tears, 
Nothing to bury but dead. 

Nothing to sing Sut songs ; 

Ah, well, alas ! alack ! 
Nowhere to go but out, 

Nowhere to come but back. 

Nothing to see but sights ; 

Nothing to quench but thirst ; 
Nothing to have but what we've got, 

Thus through life we're cursed. 

Nothing to strike but a gait ; 
Everything moves that goes ; 
Nothing at all but common sense 
Can ever withstand these woes. 

— The Dotted Line. 



THE HOPI INDIANS. 

The Hopi Indians are very religious. 
All the more important transactions of 
life are accompanied by profound and 
impressive religious ceremonies. Wild 
religious orgies are not found among 
their forms of worship. To be sure, 
some of their ceremonies, such as the 
snake dance, w^ould be considered repul- 
sive by civilized man ; but even this wor- 
ship is conducted with the greatest so- 
lemnity and the looker-on cannot help 
coming to the conclusion that there is a 
deep-rooted religious conviction in every 
one of the worshipers. Every village 
is divided into religious clans, or secret 
societies. Each society has a "khiva," 
or an underground room in which it 
conducts its own peculiar ceremony. 

The manner of worship and the reli- 
gious altar of each khiva is different 
from the other, but the great themes of 
worship are very similar throughout all 
the societies ; namely, the prayer to the 
great unknown, the sun, and the prayer 
for rain. — The Mennonite. 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



205 



'lillllMllillllllllllilllllllllllllMIIIMIIIINIIIIMIMIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIJIIIMIillMlillMlilllllllllllililllllillllllli:: 



The Question of the Hour 



By E. E. FLAGG 

AUTHOR OF 

"Holden With Cords." 



'TlllllllllllllllllflllllllllllllllllllliMlllllllllllillllfllillllilllMllliillllllllllllllilllllillilllillliilfllliSiiiihT 

We cannot safely ignore the least important of the many evils now threatening so- 
ciety, for as a certain French writer very truly observes, "Errors are always friends and' 
ready for a mutual embrace." It always is in the closeness of that embrace that the 
secret of their strength lies, and only when Christians unite in one combined onset 
against all evil, shall we see national reform inaugurated on a permanent basis. 



CHAPTER III. 
Within the Circle. 

A strange scene now rises before us, 
and though the reader, at first sight, may 
be disposed to shrink back, we bid him 
follow, in all good courage : for this is 
no assembly of Southern Ku-Klux, 
meditating a descent on some defense- 
less negro cabin, but a company of peace- 
ful citizens, who lay aside their masks 
and disguises when the business which 
calls them together is over, and separate 
without the deliberate planning of a 
single deed of darkness. 

But our business just now is in an 
ante-room, where two men stand front- 
ing each other, the older of the two with 
a blank book before him, in which he is 
writing down to the following questions 
the answers given him by the younger, 
who proves to be no other than our 
friend, Stephen Howland : 

''What is your name?" 

''Where do you live?" 

"What is your occupation?" 

"How old are you?" 

"Do you hold membership in, or are 
you suspended or expelled from any 
lodge of this order?" 

"Are you, so far as you know, in 
sound health?" 

Stephen Howland had a good deal of 
what w-e may call the "pride of life." 
He had never wronged his pure and 
temperate ancestry by a single youthful 
excess, and his happy New England 
heritage of mingled plenty and toil had 
developed in him a vigor and hardihood 
which hardly knew a day's sickness. So 
lie may l^e pardoned for answering in 
the af^rmative, with a pleasant con- 
sciousness, meanwhile, that his well-knit, 
manly figure and fine proportions made 
him goodly to look at, both in the eyes 
of men and women. 



"Do you believe in the existence of a 
Supreme, Intelligent Being, the creator 
and preserver of the Universe?" 

And again Stephen answered in the 
affirmative, forgetting that he called him- 
self a Christian, and was now giving his 
assent to a creed that left out the most 
essential part of his faith; and which, 
thus emasculated, neither Jew, Moham- 
medan or deist could possibly quarrel 
with. 

The recording angel of the lodge, who, 
by the way, bore the uncelestial title of 
Past Grand, here put down his pen and 
shut his book; but he had one more in- 
quiry to make of the young neophyte : 

"Are you willing to enter into an ob- 
ligation to keep secret all that may tran- 
spire during your initiation?" 

Stephen Howland felt, for an instant, 
a trifle uncomfortable; but had he not 
been assured, time and again, of the 
highly moral and religious nature of the 
society which he was now joining? So 
he swallowed his scruples in their first 
beginning, gave once more the expected 
affirmative, and repeated, in a clear, firm 
voice, after his examiner, "I hereby 
pledge my sacred honor that I will keep 
secret whatever may transpire during 
my initiation." 

His catechiser then blindfolded his 
eyes, which gave Stephen another un- 
comfortable feeling, for he was naturally 
one of the wide-awake kind, who like to 
know what is going on about them ; and, 
leading him to the door of the hall, gave 
three resounding raps. "AMio comes 
there?" was responded from within. 
"The Outside Conductor, with a stranger 
who desires to be initiated into the In- 
dependent Order of Odd-fellows," an- 
swered his guide. And thus introduced, 
Stephen was led into the hall to Avhere 
stood three figures, the one on the right 



306 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



and left l;eing in long white robes, like 
grave shrouds, and each holding an un- 
lighted torch. The middle figure was 
similarly attired, only in a black robe in- 
stead of a white one. The rest of the 
company wore semi-masks, the upper 
part reaching to about the middle of the 
forehead, and the lower part covering 
the mouth ; the funereal aspect of the 
whole scene being much enhanced by an 
open coffin, containing^ a very death-like 
representation of a skeleton, which was 
placed in the center of the room. 

■'You are now within a lodge of Odd- 
fellow^s," spoke the black-robed figure, 
in a kind of recitative singsong; "here 
the world is shut out ; you are separated 
from its cares and distinctions, its dis- 
sensions and its vices.. Here Friendship 
and Love assert their mild dominion, 
while Faith and Charity combine to bless 
the mind w^ith peace and soften the heart 
wath sympathy. Those around you have 
all assumed the obligations and endeavor 
to cherish the sentiments peculiar to 
Odd-fellowship ; but before you can unite 
with them you must pass through an 
initiatory ceremony, wdiich wall ulti- 
mately lead you to primary truth." 

Stephen Howdand, standing with his 
hoodwink over his eyes, doubtful, be- 
wildered, curious, was in a receptive 
rather than critical posture of mind. It 
did not even occur to him to ask with 
Pilate, ''What is Truth?" But how shall 
w^e excuse his pastor, the Rev. Theoph- 
ilus Brasfield, w^ho is one of that masked 
company, and only the previous Sabbath 
preached from the text, '7 am the Way 
and the Truth and the Life !" 

"The stranger now awaits our mystic 
rites," solemnly pronounced the figure in 
the black robe. 

"Then at once the chains prepare/' 
said the one on the right hand in a dis- 
guised and sepulchral voice. And a 
chain w^as accordingly thrown over his 
shoulders, brought around under his 
arms and tied behind. "Now, bind him 
to the stake !" chimed in the one on the 
left; but the black-robed figure inter- 
rupted this cheerful proposition with, 
"Hold ! Brothers ! shall we proceed in 
these, our mystic rites, or shall we mercy 
show?" And from the masked assembly, 
in a low, hesitating murmur, came the 
answer, "Mercy — mercy show." 



All this did not appear to Stephen 
nearly as foolish as it probably appears 
to the reader. Whether it be a case of 
magnetism, or snake charming, or the 
mere influence of one set of minds on 
another, it generally makes all the differ- 
ence in the w^orld whether we are inside 
or outside the circle. And Stephen was 
inside, caught in the whirlpool of all this 
spiritual jugglery. He had not the small- 
est fear of any personal harm, yet his 
fiesh crept w^th a cold shiver as the 
faint tolling of a bell struck on the 
silence. When he was a boy he well re- 
membered that sound ; how he used to 
count the strokes ; one, two for the in- 
fant ; eighteen, twenty for the youth and 
maiden ; five and forty for the life gone 
down in its meridian ; fourscore for the 
aged and full of days ; how solemnly 
they floated out from the little country 
church and reverberated amidst the quiet 
of those green hills ; and how each one 
seemed like a separate voice out of the 
dim, shadowy shores of eternity, as 
awful and mysterious as the voices of 
the Apocalypse ! And by a curious, but 
not extraordinary, trick of memory, as 
he was led slowly around the room the 
clank of his fetters brought to recollec- 
tion an old hymn often sung by his 
mother about her w^ork : 

"How sad our state by nature is! 

Cmr sm, how deep its stains! 
And Satan binds our captive minds 

Fast in his slavish chains." 

Meanwhile, he in the black robes de- 
livered a melancholy harangue, intended 
to deepen still further the solemnizing 
efifect : "Man in darkness and chains ! 
How^ mournful the spectacle! Yet it is 
but the condition of millions of our race 
who are void of wisdom, though they 
know^ it not. We have a lesson to im- 
part to him-— one of great moment and 
deep solemnity ; a faithful exhibition of 
the vanity of worldly things; of the in- 
stability of wealth and power; of the 
certain decay of all earthly greatness." 
But Stephen hardly heard it in the sense 
of receiving any definite impression 
therefrom. It all mingled together — a 
bewildering, ' bewitching, stupefying 
draught of enchantment, till he felt the 
hoodwink slowdy taken ofif, and was told 
to "contemplate the scene" before him. 

Stephen Flowland looked. He saw the 
coffin, the skeleton, and the two sepul- 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



207 



chrally attired figures, one at each end 
holding up lighted ^candles which threw 
into broad relief every repugnant feature 
of the sight on which he gazed — from 
the eyeless sockets to the fleshless mouth, 
on which seemed to be set Death's hor- 
rible grin of triumph. In common with 
most healthy physical natures, he shrank 
from all sight and contact with such 
emblems ot human mortality. Coffins 
and graves, skulls and crossed bones he 
had no morbid fancy for contemplating, 
but his nerves were strong and he did 
not even change countenance, but looked 
steadily as bidden while the dreary har- 
angues went on with their lessons on the 
instability of life and the certainty of 
death, which, divested of all their super- 
fluous and high-sounding phrases, might 
have been found in any child's primer. 

Then he was again blindfolded and 
led a short distance to where, the hood- 
wink being once more removed, he found 
himself confronted by an apparition 
hardly less startling. It was that of an 
old, a very old man, whose years, to all 
appearance, rivaled Methusaleh's. He 
was clad in a long black robe, tied closely 
at the neck and waist and reaching to the 
feet ; his long grey hairs swept his shoul- 
ders, a beard of silvery whiteness de- 
scended to his waist, and he leaned on 
his stafT for very age. To this personage 
Stephen was now introduced with due 
formality as the Venerable Warden of 
the lodge, and commanded to listen to 
his words of wisdom, which unfortu- 
nately lost not a little of their impressive- 
ness from the fact that he discerned, or 
thought he' discerned, the voice of Mr. 
Felix Basset under the trembling accents 
of this lodge Methusaleh. From thence 
he was led to the chair of another dig- 
nitary, the Worthy Vice Grand. At the 
mandate of this officer, wdio was clad all 
in celestial blue, the chain and hoodwink 
were taken ofif and the obligation ad- 
ministered with the assurance that it 
would not conflict with any of the ex- 
alted duties he owed to God, his country 
or himself. And with his right hand oil 
his left breast Stephen Rowland prom- 
ised : never to communicate to any one 
unless directed to do so by a legal lodge, 
the signs, tokens or grips, the term, 
traveling or other passwords, belonging 
to the Independent Order of Odd-fel- 



lows ; never to expose or lend any of the 
books or papers relating to the records 
or secret work of the order to any per- 
son or persons, except to one specially 
authorized to receive them ; never to re- 
veal any private business which might 
be transacted in his presence in this or 
any other lodge ; to abide by the laws, 
rules and regulations of the lodge, the 
Grand Lodge of the State or any other 
Grand or working lodge to which he 
might be attached ; never to wrong a sub- 
ordinate or Grand lodge to the value of 
anything ; never to take part or share di- 
rectly or indirectly in any illegal distri1:)U- 
tion of the funds or other property of 
the lodge ; never to wrong a brother, or 
see him wronged without apprising him 
of approaching danger, and should he be 
expelled or voluntarily leave the order, 
to consider this promise as binding out 
of it as in it. 

All this while the presiding officer of 
the lodge, the Noble Grand, had been 
hidden behind a red curtain, and pre- 
tended at first to be exceedingly busy, 
but finally condescended to appear, 
dressed in a robe of Babylonish scarlet, 
and instruct still further the young 
novitiate ; this instruction being supple- 
mented by a long closing lecture from 
another officer, the \\^orthy Past Grand, 
in which he was told that the general de- 
sign of the order was to teach the prin- 
ciples of universal fraternity, and im- 
prove and elevate mankind ; in short, to 
do for him what Christianity has always 
claimed to do, and actualy done, in the 
judgment of many honest souls, who will 
even point you, in their simple credulity, 
to numerous facts, both of private ex- 
perience and written history, that would 
really seem to prove them right in their 
belief. 

And then the farce was over. Stephen 
Rowland was a duly initiated mem])er 
of the Independent Order of Odd-fel- 
lows, entitled to t-lie fraternal greetings 
and congratulations of his new-made 
brothers, as a sharer with them in all ils 
privileges, tcm])oral and sjiiritual. Of 
these. Mr. Felix Basset was naturally 
foremost. 

"Xow, what is there in Odd- fellowship 
that a Christian man can possibly object 
to?" he inquired, with a beaming smile 
of triumph. 'A'ou've found it just as I 



?08 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



told you — a teacher of morals and re- 
ligion all through." 

"I must confess that, many times as 
I have heard its beautiful and instructive 
ritual,'' observed the Rev. Theophilus 
Brassfield, as he too extended a fraternal 
hand, "they strike me at every repetition 
with new force and beauty. In this 
changing age it is good to have a form 
of sound words which, like the old Epis- 
copal liturgv, time and -fashion cannot 
alter." 

The fact that the Odd- fellows' ritual 
has been altered twice since 1844, was 
one of which the reverend gentleman 
was either ignorant, or else it had slipped 
his memory : and Stephen Rowland, who 
knew as little of the history of the in- 
stitution he had joined as he did of 
Voudooism, could only smile assent. 

"That is what I always tell people," 
put m Mr. Green, a prosperous grocer 
and an enthusiastic member of the order. 
'T tell them that only we insiders know 
the first letter of Odd-fellowship; and as 
to there being anything ridiculous in the 
ceremonies, I never felt so solemn in my 
life as I did the night I was initiated." 

But Mr. Van Gilder, the keeper of a 
livery stable near by, who was looked 
upon by the brethren of the stricter sort, 
as rather a scandal to the lodge, through 
his convivial habits, to say nothing of 
other and vv^orse ones of which he was 
suspected, seemed to look on the matter 
in a slightly different hght. 

''Hang it all. Green," he interrupted, 
"what is the use of long faces? You 
like a jolly good time as well as any of 
us." 

Some of the brethren chuckled at this 
hit, and one remarked, "He has you 
there, Green." While still another mem- 
ber, conscious, perhaps, that the minis- 
ter, who as chaplain of the lodge was 
generally present, was not yet out of ear- 
shot, took up the cudgels. 

"Come. Van Gilder ; that -is no way 
to talk. Tf you don't want religion now 
you will some time. If Odd-fellowship 
didn't teach what I call pure religion I 
shouldn't care anything for it. But I 
say it does. I always feel, after seeing 
a candidate initiated, just as solemn as 
though I had been to a prayer-meeting." 

Stenhen, on whom the "solemn" effect 
was fast wearing off, leaving him in a 



state of general doubt as to whether the 
whole thing was a religious ceremony or 
a harlequin play, was glad to get out into 
the night air and feel its reviving breath 
on his face. But as the worthy members 
separated, or rather broke up into little 
knots which took different streets ac- 
cording to the direction of their several 
homes, his ears were greeted by another 
scrap of talk of a slightly different tenor. 
It was near enough to election for those 
political straws to be flying about which 
show office-seekers whether the wind is 
to blow fair or foul on the all-important 
day that is to decide their destiny at that 
throne of King People, the ballot-box. 

"Hicks stands a chance to get a good 
many votes," said one lodge brother, "un- 
less the Democrats put up a stronger man 
than either he or Putney." 

"Hicks is popular with a few crooked 
sticks," responded the other, with a 
knowing air, as he stopped to light his 
cigar ; "but of course the third party 
can't carry the day. It's Putney that has 
got the inside track, you may depend on 
that." 

"There'll be lots of bolting done." 

"Let 'em bolt, then. It won't make 
much difference. We might get a worse 
man for Governor than General Putney. 
He's backed up by all the Grand Army 
Posts, beside. That's the way he come 
to be nominated. The thing was worked 
up neat by Putney's friends. You see I 
was there and I saw it all. They kept 
mum till nearly all the candidates were 
named, and then Judge Dorsey got up 
and proposed General Putney's name. 
There was some hissing then and a great 
deal of confusion, for if the General has 
got his friedns he's got his enemies, too. 
But the Judge kept cool. He had two 
strings to his bow, and he laid it on so 
thick about Putney's record in the war, 
and what a good friend he had always 
been to the soldiers — how he had worn 
himself out in their interests trying to get 
Congress to pass increased pension bills 
— I tell you when he finished his speech 
the boy in blue could have been heard a 
mile." 

Only the last part of the talk reached 
Stephen Howland's ears in any con- 
nected shape, but his mind had a natural 
bent in the direction of politics. He was 
interested in the movements of parties 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



209 



and the prospects of candidates, while 
hating political trickery and wire-pulling 
with all his heart. He had a sincere wish 
that the people should understand better 
who and what they were voting for in- 
stead of being made mere figure-heads, 
having a show of sovereignty, while the 
actual power was vested in a few un- 
scrupulous party leaders, who manipu- 
lated the conventions and nomniated or 
rubbed out at their sweet will, without 
the least regard for what their constitu- 
ents desired. Though so young when the 
war ended that the roar of cannon and 
ringing of bells which announced the fall 
of Richmond had left only a faint echo 
in his memory, he had a genuine patriotic 
feeling of friendliness and respect for 
old soldiers who had ventured their lives 
for the Stars and Stripes, and he believed 
their claims should be ever held in re- 
membrance by the government they had 
fought to save ; and it was natural that 
he should feel a proportionate indigna- 
tion when he saw them made the mere 
puppets of politicians who sought, by 
playing on their selfish. interests, to make 
them stepping-stones on which to mount 
higher in the scramble for preferment. 
He had heard of General Putney, and 
knew him to be a low, vulgar dema- 
gogue. So this was the way he was 
hoisted into of^ce ; by a trick of clap-trap 
oratory appealing to the selfishness or the 
gratitude- — it was hard to say which — 
of the country's veteran defenders, for 
whom he cared not a straw except as 
they could be made subservient to his 
own political advancement. 

Stephen was thinking it over when a 
hand was laid familiarly on his shoulder 
— the hand of one of his new-made lodge 
])rothers. 

"Warmest evening I ever saw so late 
in the season. Step in here and have a 
glass of lemonade. I'll stand treat." 

Stephen was not thirsty, but he ac- 
cepted the invitation, thinking it would 
appear churlish to refuse, and followed 
his guide, nothing witting, into the fash- 
ionable restaurant, which was likewise 
one of the genteel drinking places that, 
with others not so genteel, flourished un- 
der the very noses of the Sons of Tem- 
perance, Rechabites and Good Templars 
to the mystification of many of the 
worthy citizens of Jacksonville, who 



could by no means understand why the 
mice should play when the cat was not 
away. 

An hour or two later Stephen How- 
land was kicking ofT his boots in his 
of^ce, which was also his only sleeping- 
room, with the feeling of one just awak- 
ening from an opium dream. 

OUR PRESENT-DAY ATTITUDE TO- 
WARD THE LODGE. 

BY REV. J. R. GRAEBNER, FT. WAYNE, IXD. 

(Continued from October number) 
"Preach the Word!" 

Shall it be different now from what it 
has been ? In theory it must always re- 
main exactly the same, for the lodge has 
not changed. In practice, too, our atti- 
tude toward the lodge should ever re- 
main essentially what it has been. It 
should become even more decided, more 
firm, more consistent, and more uniform. 
Our practice in this or any other respect 
was never perfect, nor will it ever be per- 
fect, for there is no such thing as per- 
fection even in church practice. Our 
practice towards the lodge has been more 
imperfect, perhaps, in recent years than 
m earlier days, and that makes it all the 
more necessary for us to strive with 
might and main to attain what it ought 
to be. We must continue to take a firm 
and decided stand against the abomina- 
tions in the lodge; we must not relax 
our efforts to combat these evils, but as 
they more and more threaten our Church 
and endanger immortal souls, we must 
more and more vigorously oppose them. 
And we must do it for two reasons. The 
one is that God commands it ; it is not a 
matter of our own choice. The other is 
that our Church will disintegrate both in 
doctrine and practice if we do not con- 
tmue, renew and increase our efforts to 
restrain the lodge evil. 

First, then, God commands us to be 
against everything that is evil in the 
lodge. God is against sin everywhere, 
whether committed in a gambling den. a 
brothel, a Hindoo temple, or a lodge hall 
or any other place. God does not sanc- 
tion a profane oath because it is Masonic. 
He does not tolerate an idolatrous man- 
made religion because it is the Odd- 
Fellows' ideal- of what their worship 
ought to be. "The Lord will not hold 
hnn guiltless that taketh His name in 



'10 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



vain." (Ex. 20. 7.) "I am the Lord, 
thy God." (Ex. 20, 2.) "Whosoever 
denieth the Son. the same hath not the 
Father." (i John 2, 2^.) God is against 
the idolatrous principles of the lodge and 
against the profanation of His name in 
the lodge oath, and we must stand on 
God's side ; he that is not with Him is 
against Him. Lodge secrecy, the lodge 
oath, the lodge religion are, as we have 
seen, against God's Word, consequently 
we dare not participate in these abom- 
inations, and consequently we dare not 
be in any way connected with any lodge. 
''Abhor that which is evil," says the 
Apostle (Rom. 12, 9), "neither be par- 
taker of other men's sins" (L Tim. 5, 
22). "Be ye not unequally yoked to- 
gether with unbelievers ; for what fel- 
lowship hath righteousness with unright- 
eousness? And what communion hath 
lig'ht with darkness? And what concord 
hath Christ with Belial? Or what part 
hath he that believeth with an infidel? 
And what agreement hath the temple of 
God with idols? For ye are the temple 
of the living God, as Goth hath said. 
I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; 
and I will be their God, and they shall 
be my people. Wherefore come out from 
among them, and be ye separate, saith 
the Lord, and touch not the unclean 
thing; and I will receive you and will be 
a Father unto you and ye shall be My 
sons and daughters, saith the Lord 
Almighty" (2 Cor. 6, 14-18). 

As a church we have the duty to teach 
others, as the Master says : "Go ye and 
teach all nations . , . teaching them to 
observ^e all things whatsoever I have 
commanded you." (Matt. 28, 18-20.) "As 
my Father hath sent Me, even so send I 
you." (John 20, 21.) "And that repent- 
ance and remission of sins should be 
preached in His name among all na- 
tions." (Luke 24, 27.) "Ye shall be wit- 
nesses unto Me . . . unto the uttermost 
part of the earth." (Acts i, 8.) 

Preach the Law for Conviction and the 
Gospel for Salvation. 

Like St. Paul, we determine not to 
know anything among those whom we 
teach save Jesus Christ and Him cruci- 
fied, and therefore we preach the law, 
which gives the knowledge of sin, and 
we preach the Gospel, which gives the 
knowledo^e of the Savior. The Law must 



be preached to convict men of their 
sin, for "l3y the Law is the knowledge of 
sin," and the Gospel of Christ must be 
preached to sinners to give them faith in. 
Christ. John the Baptist preached (Matt. 
2, 3) : "Repent ye, for the kingdom of 
heaven is at hand." Christ preached 
(Mark i, 15) : "Repent ye and believe 
the Gospel." All the prophets and apos- 
tles preached not only the Gospel of 
Christ in all its sweetness, but also God's 
Law in all its severity, so that men might 
first be convinced of their lost condition 
and then hear of Him who came to seek 
and to save that which was lost. With- 
out a knowledge and conviction of their 
sin men do not see their need of Christ 
and His salvation, and will not accept 
the remission of sins preached to them. 
Therefore Vve must tell men their sins 
and to do this Vv^e must preach and teach 
the Ten Commandments, from the first 
to the last ; the First Commandment, 
which forbids idolatrous worship ; the 
Second Commandment, forbidding pro- 
fane oaths ; and by teaching these Com- 
mandments, we take our stand against 
certain abominations of which the lodge 
is guilty. 

We grant that there are Christians in 
the lodges ; they partake of the lodge sins 
through ignorance. No Christian would 
join the lodge if he knew it to be wrong 
to do so, nor would any Christian remain 
in a lodge if he knew it to be wrong. 
Shall we let our fellow Christians in the 
lodges go on sinning in ignorance? Is 
it not rather our sacred duty to enlighten 
them and point out to them where they 
are doing wrong, so that they may walk 
as it becometh the Gospel of Christ? 
Surely, they would thank us for it ; they 
love their Savior and desire to walk 
worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. 
Furtherm.ore, sin, whether committed 
through ignorance or presumptuously, is 
a snare of the devil ; it is poison to the 
soul and it is dangerous. We warn of 
dangers that threaten the body, and shall 
we be unconcerned and say nothing about 
the danger that is threatening immortal 
souls in the lodges? No, we owe it to 
our brethren and sisters who have be- 
come ensnared in the meshes of the lodge 
that we warn them most earnestly of the 
soul destroying abominations of the 
lodge. 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



211 



No Man Free to Be an Idolater. 

The religious rites of heathen tribes 
and their priests, of Masonic and other 
lodges and their chaplains, of modern 
Jews and their rabbis, who, denying the 
son, also deny the Father; in short, all 
worships of any but the true, triune God 
are violations of the Law of God. "Thou 
shalt worship the Lord, thy God, and 
Him only shalt thou serve." (Matt. 4, i.) 
No man is free, according to the Word 
of God, to be a Unitarian, or a Moham- 
medan, or a modern Jew, or a worshiper 
of "the great Architect of the Universe." 
All worships not truly Christian are 
idolatrous ; and no man is morally free 
to be an idolater. To conceive God or 
to represent Him otherwise than He has 
revealed Himself in His Word, is to 
misconceive or misrepresent Him, to sub- 
stitute a false god for the God of revela- 
tion. This is idolatry, and idolatry is a 
sin; it is not only an intellectual short- 
coming to misconceive God and worship 
Him according to such misconception, 
but it is a moral enormity. Some of the 
lodge members with whom our church 
work brings us in contact are not Chris- 
tians at heart. We find that they have 
a misconception of God, that they do not 
believe in Christ in the scriptural sense 
of the term, and that, denying the Son, 
they also deny the Father, even though 
they may call themselves Christians. We 
find they are in perfect accord with the 
universal religion of the lodge. These 
live in a mortal sin. Jesus says: "H ye 
believe not that I am He, ye shall die in 
your sins." (John 8, 24.) Shall we let 
them die in their sins by not testifying 
against their lodge? Shall we be satis- 
fied to see them without God in the 
world and without God in death? God. 
forbid! What says the Scripture? "Son 
of man, I have made thee a watchman 
unto the house of Israel ; therefore hear 
the word at My mouth and give them 
warning from Me. When T say unto the 
wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou 
givest him not warning, nor speakest to 
warn the wicked from his wicked way, 
to save his life, the same wicked man 
shall die in his iniquity ; but his blood 
will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou 
warn the wdcked and he turn not from 
his wickedness, nor from his wicked way. 



he shall die in his iniquity; but thou 
hast (leli\ered thy soul.'' (Ezek. 3, 17-1 9.) 

Warn the Righteous That He Sin Not. 

St. Paul would not have his beloved 
Corinthian Christians ignorant that God 
was not well pleased with many of their 
fathers when Israel passed through the 
desert, but overthrew them in the w^ilder- 
ness. The faithful Apostle told his con- 
gregation that those things that happened 
to Israel were examples to their children 
of later generations. He warned them, 
saying: "We should not lust after evel 
things, as they also lusted. Neither be 
ye idolaters as were some of them. . . . 
Neither let us commit fornification, as 
some of them committed. . . . Neither 
let us tempt Christ, as some of them also 
tempted. . . . Neither murmur ye, as 
some of them also murmured." If 
it is our duty, as it certainly is, 
to warn God's dear children in 
our congregations that they should not 
commit fornincations and other sins and 
vices, we too, as the Apostle did, must 
warn them also of idolatry. And if we 
find it necessary to be very specific and 
plain in our w^arning with reference to 
sins against the sixth Commandment, so 
specific that w^e mention the dance and 
the stage of our day to make very plain 
what adultery means, and to caution our 
hearers to avoid all opportunity for un- 
chasteness, we certainly cannot consider 
it unnecessary to point out lodge wor- 
ship as a species of idolatry, and to cau- 
tion our Chritians not to contaminate 
themselves therewith as the Lord said 
also to Ezekiel (3, 21): "If thou warn 
the righteous man that the righteous sin 
not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely 
live, because he is warned ; also thou 
hast delivered thy soul.'' In our preach- 
ing and in our catechetical instruction 
preparatory to confirmation, publicly and 
privately we should turn the searchlight 
of God's Word upon the lodge to show 
that lodgism is wrong and incompatible 
with Christianity. We have a splendid 
opportunity also in lectures to our Young 
People's Societies, iMen's Clubs, Ladies' 
Aid Societies, and on other occasions to 
inform our people on the lodge and give 
them warning against becoming entan- 
gled in its meshes. It is also an excel- 
lent practice to distribute sermons and 
tracts, dealing with the lodge, showing 



:i2 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



what its principles and practices are, and 
what the Word of God says of those 
things. If a church has a parish paper, 
a word on the lodge appearing now and 
then in its columns will be a help. Last, 
but not least, the Lutheran Witness 
should not only be kept, but read in the 
homes of all our people for their instruc- 
tion in matters pertaining to their spir- 
itual welfare. It speaks plainly of the 
lodge to all who want to hear. Let them 
take and read. There should not be a 
confirmed person in our congregations 
who on account of negligence on our part 
does not know that it is wrong to belong 
to a lodge, and why it is wrong. It is 
true, thank God, that our attitude to- 
ward the lodge has not changed ; we are 
still known as a synod that takes a de- 
cided stand against the lodge ; but in our 
circles, too, there has been, it seems, here 
and there, too much reticence and not 
enough outspokenness in our attitude 
against the lodge. It is true, in some con- 
gregations there is less need of antilodge 
activity than in others ; in some localities 
the temptation to join a lodge is not so 
great as in others. Some congregations 
are not in such great danger as others of 
becoming infected with lodgism. But 
everyw^here, in city, town and hamlet, in 
the metropolis and in the country, our 
Christians, especially our Christian young 
men, are being urged and tempted more 
or less to join the lodge, and it requires 
constant vigilance, thorough instruction 
and frequent reminding to make them 
firm and to keep them steadfast in their 
position against the lodge. The danger 
signal must always be kept in sight. Our 
Lutheran church must have a strong anti- 
lodge plank in her platform and a clear 
antilodge inscription emblazoned on her 
banners. 

The Churches* Duty to Bear Faithful 
Witness. 

Our Lord says (Matt. lo, 32) : ''Who- 
soever shall confess Me before men, him 
will I confess before My Father which 
is in heaven. But whoesever shall deny 
Me before men, him will I also deny be- 
fore My Father w^hich is in heaven." 
''Ye shall be witnesses unto Me." The 
cardinal doctrines of Scripture are those 
of Christ's person and work of redemp- 
tion, and the doctrine that we are justi- 
fied before God by grace, for Christ's 



sake, through faith, and not by our own 
works. By the preaching and teaching 
of these doctrines Christ is confessed 
before men. Our church, by the grace 
of God, has these doctrines not only in 
her books, but also in her pulpits, and 
not only now and then a vestige of them, 
but practically in every sermon that is 
preached, and frequently these funda- 
mentals are dealt with at length in our 
teaching and preaching, publicly and 
privately by word of mouth and by pen. 
The Gospel of Jesus Christ still resounds 
in all its fullness in our church. But 
these are the very doctrines for which 
the Jews hated Christ with a cruel 
hatred, for these very teachings. He 
was despised and rejected of men, a man 
of sorrows and acquainted with grief. 
They reviled Him, persecuted Him, 
gnashed Him with their teeth, and finally, 
in their hour, laid hands on Him and 
took Him to Annas first and then to 
Caiaphas, who delivered Him to the 
Gentiles. They accused Him to Pilate, 
then before Herod, and again before Pi- 
late, crying, "Crucify Him ! Away with 
Him! crucify Him; crucify Him!" until 
Pilate, willing to content the people, gave 
sentence that it should be as they re- 
quired, and delivered Him to their will 
to be crucified. For these very doctrines 
for which they hated the Master they 
hated also His servants, and the things 
they did to the Lord, they did also to His 
disciples, as he had foretold them. These 
are the very doctrines for which the holy 
martyrs, thousands of them, bled and 
died. And these are the very doctrines 
to which the world in our day also is 
bitterly opposed, and for which the 
world hates us. "If the world hates 
you, ye know that it hated me before it 
hated you," says Christ (John 15, 18). 
So does the lodge hate Christ. The 
lodges have taken counsel together, and 
have set themselves against the Lord 
and against his Annointed. 

And what are we going to do? Are 
we going to forsake Jesus as the disciples 
did in the garden? If we would here- 
after preach the truth as it is in Jesus 
in a low and subdued voice, to please the 
enemies of the cross of Christ, we would 
thereby kiss the Son as Judas did; if 
we shall fail to speak up for Christ and 
take his part when the lodge says "Away 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



213 



with Him !" we shall by such silence deny 
the Lord, as F'eter did. If we were 
going to let lodge members prevail upon 
us to grant them membership in our 
churches "and give silent consent to their 
unholy alliance with the lodge, that would 
amount to the same thing that Pilate did 
when he contented the people and deliv- 
ered Jesus to their will to be crucified. 

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, 

Ye soldiers of the cross; 
Lift high His royal banner, 

It must not suffer loss. 

From vict'ry unto vict'ry 

His army He shall lead, 
Till ev'ry foe is vanquished, 

And Christ is Lord indeed. 

(To be continued.) 



WHAT'S IN A NAME? 

The Shield suggests that we abandon 
the old, high-sounding titles given our 
supreme officers and adopt the ordinary 
business designations. If this were done, 
instead of having a ''Grand Foreman" 
we would have a ''President," instead of 
a "Grand Master of Ceremonies," a 
"Vice-President" ; "Chief Correspond- 
ent" would be changed to "Secretary," 
and "Grand Master of Accounts" to 
"Treasurer." 

A great handicap suffered by nearly 
every fraternal society is the title of the 
head ofificer. Look at this list : 

Grand Foreman. 

Grand Master Workman. 

Grand Guardian. 

Grand Chief of Honor. 

Grand President and Counsel. 

Grand Chief Pioneer. 

Isn't that grand! You would think 
the word "grand," signifying as it does 
sumptuous magnificence and gorgeous 
splendor, would satisfy the ambitions of 
the greatest egotist. The Sultan of Tur- 
key has always been content with the 
title "Grand Turk." Some of our fra- 
ternals, however, wanted a word that 
meant more, so we liave : 

Supreme Ruler. 

Supreme Regent. 

Supreme Ranger. 

Supreme Oracle. 

Supreme Mystic Ruler. 

That's the limit ! The word "supreme" 
means over all, the highest, the greatest 
possible. The wonder is that some of 



them haven't called their president the 
"Supreme Being." 

— The KablegrcuiL 
Such a radical change will probably 
be emphatically resented by barbers, 
chautTeurs, small lawyers and petty poli- 
ticians who have for so long a time en- 
joyed these high undemocratic titles. 



GRAND! GREAT GRAND!! 

In connection with the article in this num- 
ber on What's in a Name, we reprint one by 
the late Hon. Philo Ca-penter in the same 
vein. — Editor. 

To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune, 

Sir : — The Chicago Times of a recent 
date contains a brief report of a late 
demonstration of the "Pythians" in our 
city, who are said to represent the Grand 
Lodge of the State. In this report of 
what is deemed proper for the outside 
Vvorld to know of the last day's proceed- 
ings of this secret order, the words 
"Grand," "Great Grand," "Past Grand," 
"Past Grand Chancellor," "Grand Patri- 
arch," "Supreme Representative," and 
the Hke, occur not less than forty times. 

Another branch of the family of 
"Knights" meets in a "Lodge of Perfec- 
tion," under the title of "Occidental Sov- 
ereign Consistory of Most Valiant and 
Illustrious 'Sublime Princes and Com- 
manders of the Royal Secret,' holding 
their rendezvous at the G. E.'., Chicago, 
111., 40 degrees, 53 minutes 10 seconds 
N. L., and Sy degrees, 38 minutes 01 sec- 
onds .2 W. L., meridian of Greenwich;" 
bearing the titles of "Knights of the East 
and West; Perfect Prince Freemason of 
H-R-D-M.; Knights of the Eagle and 
Pelican ; Grand Pontiil ; ^Master ad- 
vitam; Patriarch Noachite; Prince of 
Libanus ; Chief of the Tabernacle ; Prince 
of the Tabernacle ; Knight of the Brazen 
Serpent; Prince of ]\Iercy; Commander 
of the Temple; Knight of the Sun: Pat- 
riarch of the Crusades ; Grand Elect 
Knight K-H ; Grand Inspector Inquisitor 
Commander ; Knight of the White and 
Black Eagle ; Sublime Prince and Com- 
mander of the Royal Secret." 

Now, should the public indulge a cur- 
iosity, not indeed to pry into the secret 
things of the lodge, but only to see the 
Spread Eagle and Pelican, and to study 
the Grand Sciences in the light of mod- 
ern authors, allow me to suggest a few 
text-books : Albert G. Mackey's "Lexi- 



214 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



L\m ol I reeniasunr\" ; Richardson's 
Monitor of Freemasonry; Sickels' "Free- 
mason's Monitor." Consult also the writ- 
ings of the celehrated General Albert 
Pike and the Hon. Rob Alorris ; also the 
latter's Cabinet of Curiosities gathered 
in the Holy Land, throwing great light 
light upon the zcidoz<''s son. 

In this connection, the following ex- 
tracts from the Constitution of the Unit- 
ed States will be of interest. See Con- 
stitution United States, Article i.. Sec- 
tion 9: 

'"Xo title of nobility shall be granted 
by the United States ; and no person 
holding any office of profit or trust un- 
der them shall, without the consent of 
the Congress, accept of any present, 
emolument, office or title of any kind 
whatever, from any King, Prince, or 
foreign state." 

XoTE. — A journal makes the state- 
ment that "X^ot less than one hundred 
lunatics in the asylums of Germany fancy 
themselves to be Emperor William or 
Bismarck." Respectfully, 

Philo Carpenter. 
Chicago. Jan. 30, 1873. 



MINERS' STRIKE BLOW AT UNION 
LABOR. 

President Wilson's reply to the strike 
threat of the anthracite miners' officials 
contains a truth of far greater import- 
ance to organized labor than any indi- 
vidual grievance as to wage scales or 
even the possibility of a strike of these 
miners. It is this : 

"Collective bargaining would soon 
cease to exift in industrial affairs if con- 
tracts solemnly entered into can be set 
aside by either party whenever it wills to 
do so." 

In realization of the truth of that sen- 
tence lies the future of union labor. Em- 
ployers, contracting with union labor, can 
be relied upon to keep their agreement 
for reasons of self-interest if nothing 
else. They have capital to protect and 
prestige to maintain which are vital to 
their economic life and which would be 
destroyed if they failed to* keep their 
agreements. The unions which enter in- 
to agreement with them are bound by no 
such ties of personal interest. Self-in- 
terest in their case is largely the individ- 
ual interest of each member of the union. 



Their interest as a body is only that of 
maintaining and strengthening their pow- 
er as an organization. 

So long as the union can be depended 
upon to keep its contracts scrupulously 
it will maintain its strength and approach 
justice for its members. When it fails 
to do so it makes collective bargaining 
worse than useless and thereby strikes 
at the basic principle of union labor. 

In the case of the anthracite miners 
the authorized delegates of the workers 
accepted the president's plan for settle- 
ment of their wage demands. They 
agreed to abide by the commission's find- 
ings. The award made was less than 
they desired, so the officials threatened 
to strike. If they carry out the threat 
they destroy the union's reputation for 
reliability and damage the cause of or- 
ganized labor throughout the country. 

Union labor in all crafts shotild be the 
first to see the danger to their cause in 
such a strike. Union men should be the 
first to support the president's declara- 
tion that such a strike will be fought to 
a finish. Self-interest, if nothing else, 
should make organized workers a unit 
in maintaining good faith when a union 
pledges itself to any contract.— Editorial, 
Cliicago Tribune, Sept. 1,1920. 



THE BACK TRAIL. 

BY AN "'eastern STAR."' 

The Inter-Church movement at its 
present stage causes many a smile, for 
one or two denominations claim still to 
be the one and only true church, with 
apostolic succession trimmings. Uni- 
versalist, Unitarian, Congregationalist 
and Presbyterian, form a family whose 
origin seems lost in the mists of the 
northern isles. 

Dr. Dickens-Lewis of Cleveland says, 
in the New Era magazine, "We believe 
the only apostolic succession, is the suc- 
cession of truth." 

Masonic Defense of the Druids. 

Yes, the old, old cjuestion, "What is 
truth?" He traces the rise of the first 
churcli of this family to Columba, and 
his cell on the isle of lona, off the coast 
of Mull in Scotland. But he says, ''Here 
the pagan Druids had a college, and the 
Highlanders still call it Innis-Nan-Druid- 
neah." Here is a Presbyterian ready to 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



215 



call Druidism pagan, a slight which any 
well read Masonic brother will resent. 

Abraham was a Druid, or wise man, 
and worshipped under the oak, because 
in Old Testament days the oak was the 
emblem of God in man, and the mistletoe 
hung upon it denoted life beyond the 
grave, and the Christ within man, lifted 
up and made holy. 

Jeremiah, the first Saint Patrick of 
Ireland, was a Druid, to whom God gave 
the task of refounding the Hebrew and 
Israelite kingdom after the fall of the 
Jewish kingdom at the hands of the 
Babylonians. The Druidic form of reli- 
gion was scientific, and a great moral 
system, veiled in allegory and illustrated 
by symbols. Their temples were under 
the open skies, and consisted of 12 stones, 
one for each constellation, while the cen- 
tral stone represented the sun, habitation 
of Jehovah-Adonai, ruler of this uni- 
verse. The 12 stones were cabalistic in 
significance. 

Christianity the Shell of Druidism. 

Christianity is but the outer form of 
the same religion, which ever remained 
pure, and in England when Canute was 
persuaded at Rome to start persecutions 
against the ancient teachings, the leaders 
but changed their name to Masonry, or 
free-builders of an immortal soul. Jesus 
,zi'as a very high Mason, and Master of 
the Essene Order of Palestine, and all 
countries on the Mediterranean. 
^ The last Geographic Magazine has 
wonderful pictures of an ancient Druid, 
or Masonic, labyrinth temple oi initia- 
tion, which must have sheltered Paul, the 
apostles, and even Jesus, in the first cen- 
tury. Close study of this article con- 
vinces one that its age cannot be less than 
that of Etrurian, Pelasgian and Atlan- 
tean remains. 

Daniel the Founder of Druidism. 

Moreover our republic was cradled in 
so called Druidism, of whom came the 
Magi to Christ's lowly manger ; this 
branch being reformed by no less a per- 
son than Daniel, when in Persian cap- 
tivity. 

We must take the back trail to find 
apostolic succession and the truth of the 
Christos in every man — Universalisl. 
Unitarian. Congregationalist, Presby- 
terian, back, back to lona, and Tara in 
Ireland, for did not Saint Augustine say: 



"What is now called the Christian reli- 
gion, has existed among the ancients, 
and was not absent from the beginning 
of the human race, until Christ came in 
the fiesh, fron; which time the religion 
which already existed began to be called 
Christian." Apostolic succession does 
not exist in any one of the present 
churches. — ''Everybody's Column," Buf- 
falo Evening Nezvs. 

The writer forgot to mention the old 
est and most aggressive member, if not 
the founder of Druidism and all other 
such cults — Satan. 



Well, whatever the result next No- 
vember, let us hope the country will set- 
tel down to four years of sanity. This 
brainstorm has lasted too long. 



The British parliament and not the 
United States congress is the place for a 
debate of the Irish question. 



BENEVOLENCE OR INJUSTICE. 

1!V DR. GEO. A. PEGRAM. 

In late years we hear a great deal 
about benevolence. But for some time 
I have wondered whether most of the 
benevolence, particularly that practiced 
by the Lodge, was really benevolence, or 
was simply injustice and partiality. 
Benevolence is kindness or goodwill felt, 
but latel}- has come to designate those 
dispositions shown in action. Injustice 
is taking what belongs to one and giving 
it to another, or in other words stealing 
from one and giving it to another. 
Partiality is withholding from a deserv- 
ing one the honor, favor, position, or at- 
tention due him, and bestowing them 
upon another who does not deserve them. 

Benevolence in the Church or out of 
the Church, in the Lodge or out of the 
Lodge, among saints or among sinners, 
when prompted by good motives is al- 
wa}s right and commendable. Jesus 
commends those who treat kindly a right- 
eous man in the name of a righteous man 
(one who deserves it), or a prophet in 
the name of a prophet, and declared that 
such should be rewarded accordinelv. 
He said the\- also should i)e rewarded 
who gave a cup of cold water to a dis- 
cii)le as a disciple. (Mat. 10: 40-4J. i 
Xothino- is said here concerning the moral 
and spiritual status of such benefactors. 



216 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



Only the fact (the kindness), and the 
spirit of the deed (in His name) are 
mentioned as factors which earn the re- 
ward. To receive such reward, the bene- 
factor must consider such kindness de- 
served because of the moral state and 
Christian character of the beneficiar>^ 
So God honors and rewards those who 
do deeds of kindness to those who de- 
serve them, and because they deserve 
them. 

On the other hand, the mere form of 
statement implies that no reward is given 
to those who give from any other kind 
of a motive. In fact, in Mat. 6: 1-4, He 
distinctly specifies that no reward shall 
be given to those by their Father who 
is in heaven, who give to be seen of men, 
no matter what or how much they give, 
even of their own means, and not from 
the means of somebody else. What re- 
ward they receive depends upon the high- 
est motive of their giving, whether it is 
love to God, love to men, or merely love 
to themselves, which is simply selfishness. 

By parity of reasoning, no reward shall 
be given to those who give from any im- 
pure motive. Giving alms to be seen of 
men implies that the giving is not primar- 
ily to help men at all, neither to honor 
God, but to receive help or honor or both 
from men. This is nothing but disguised 
selfishness parading as benevolence. 

If men are not rewarded w^hen they 
give of their own means with an impure 
motive, hovv^ much less should they be 
rewarded for giving with partiality what 
does not belong to them. No one is re- 
warded in this case. The man who does 
the giving and the man Vv^ho receive's are 
due no reward, and receive nothing but 
the proper punishment they deserve. 
Giving to one what belongs to another is 
an unkindness to both. It tends to make 
one selfish and the other angry or indig- 
nant. Robbing Peter to pay Paul injures 
one financially, and two morally, and 
possibly three. This is not benevolence 
at all, but rank injustice, and a species of 
dishonesty. It is in reality stealing from 
one, and giving to another the stolen 
goods, making him particcps criminis, 
according to law. Is the receiver as bad 
as the thief? One should scorn to re- 
ceive stolen goods from anybody, no 
matter whether from brother Churchman 
or from brother Lodgeman. Yet some 



think it is just the thing to do and en- 
courage it, so becoming accessory before 
the fact. But the time is coming when 
the receiver as well as the giver of such 
stolen goods will be considered by society 
in the same light that he is by the criminal 
law. Both will be considered dishonest, 
unjust and criminal. Do the Lodges do 
it? They themselves claim to give their 
members an advantage. Do church men 
sometimes do it? Their creed and their 
professions are both against it, but occa- 
sionally church men are found guilty of 
this form of selfishness. Is he better 
than the Lodgeman who does the same? 
He is no better, but worse, for he does 
it against his teaching and his profession, 
while it is taught and encouraged in the 
Lodge. ^Moreover the church man should 
set the example to the Lodge man, or not 
presume to instruct him. While this 
wrongful dealing may not be universal 
in the Lodge, it seems far more frequent 
than in the Church. 

We have practical illustrations of the 
above statements in the teachings of 
Lodges and Fraternities. Recently when 
importuned to join a fraternity composed 
of chiropractors, I asked what reason 
was there that I should join. They said 
that when I got into the field to practice 
they would send me patients and do any- 
thing for me. I said to them, "It is not 
then whether I am a good chiropractor 
or a good man, but whether I am a mem- 
ber of your fraternity." Their shibboleth 
is ''straight Chiropractic." But some of 
their members who make that pretension 
are not as ''straight Chiropractors" as 
some they brand as "mixers." Their 
shibboleth is used mostly to run patients 
into the hands of their fraternity. 

I have known individual lodgemen to 
perform charitable works at their own 
expense, take up a collection among 
themselves, personally wait upon the sick, 
and do all things not because the Lodge 
had ordered them to do so, but upon their 
own initiative. This was very good. 
But doing it for the sake of the order is 
not as high a motive as doing it for the 
sake of Jesus, or for the mere love of 
humanity, expecting nothing in return. 
It is only the latter motive that makes 
our benevolence worthy of receiving a 
heavenly reward. See Matt. 6: 1-4 and 
10: 4-42. 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



217 



Some Christian brethren in Michigan 
told me that they hauled logs for lumber 
to the riverside where they were to be 
inspected, sorted, received or rejected. 
They said the inspector was a lodgeman, 
that they and themselves belonged to an 
anti-secret church. The inspector re- 
jected quite a number of their logs. 
After the logs accepted had been rolled 
into the river, another lodge man who 
had logs to be inspected rolled those re- 
jected ones into his lot of logs. Then 
this same inspector, his brother lodge- 
man, inspected his logs and accepted all 
those logs which he had before rejected. 
He was stealing from the anti-secret 
man, and giving to his brother lodgeman. 
It seemed a clear case of intentional par- 
tiality and injustice. They may have re- 
garded it an act of ''lodge charity," but 
both were thieves without the slightest 
vestige of an excuse. 

A Methodist minister lost his health 
and went into the lumber business. He 
sold a bill of lumber to a lodge man who 
refused to pay for it. A friend told him 
not to take it into court unless he himself 
belonged to certain lodges. He insisted, 
however, and lost his suit, lost the 
amount due him and had to pay the costs 
besides, and was grossly insulted by the 
lodge folks in addition to the injustice 
received. That was showing how lodge 
men can help one another. It was not 
benevolence, but partiality and also plain 
stealing. 



^etosi of 0m movk 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

REV. W. E. STODDARD. 

Boston, Mass., October 15, 1920. 

Arriving here yesterday I noticed a 
handbill in the restaurant announcing 
that the "Royal Roosters" were to have 
a carnival. Suppose it will be what the 
name indicates ! 

I was told that Dr. R. A. Torrey, in 
his recent visit to this city, gave a testi- 
mony against the lodge. He was speak- 
ing to a large congregation in Tremont 
Temple. The Odd-Fellows were parading 
the streets. He is reported as saying: 
"The uniforms of the boys who returned 
from France meant something. The uni- 
forms of secret societies mean little." 



His exact words could not be vouched 
for, but this was his thought as expressed 
to me. I hear much about the parade 
and display of the lodge people. 

The Masons at Washington, D. C, 
were in a "drive" for $200,000 to erect 
a Temple at Brightwood. The placards 
announced much dancing with baby- 
night, etc. The picture, central in the 
placard, was a blindfolded man astride 
of a goat clinging to its long horns. 
Either this was intended as a joke or to 
make a serious impression. In any event, 
what is the public to think of the char- 
acter of people who put forth such 
things. 

At Paterson, N. J., I found the Masons 
on a "drive" to build a "Temple." They 
were asking the citizens to contribute 
$400,000 to this end. At the rally meet- 
ings they found ministers willing to make 
the appeals. Rev. D. S. Hamilton is re- 
ported as saying : "We're all brothers in 
the greatest fraternity of the world and 
there is no doubt as to the raising of the 
$400,000. The Rev. George Mooney de- 
livered himself after the following fash- 
ion: "Masonry should have in this city 
a temple of such splendid architecture 
that it would appeal to men and be a 
representative of the splendid ideals of 
the Craft, namely, faith in God, faith in 
the home, and faith in the ideals of the 
home, and of right living, chastity, love 
and purity." In all the speeches there 
was no reference to Christ or the life in 
Him, that would not be pleasing to the 
Paterson Jews, who are helping to erect 
this place of worship, which they are 
pleased to call a Temple. If these 
preachers think this Temple is to have 
the greatest brotherhood on earth and 
advocate the highest ideals, why don't 
they propose that the Christian temples 
in which they have worshipped sell out 
and join in worship in the big Temple? 
Thank God, the forces of this earth are 
not all driving toward the Temples for 
blindfolded people. The Christian's light 
is still here and shining. Personally I 
have never realized Divine help more 
than in my present need. 

On Sabbath, September 19th, I was 
privileged to deliver four antilodge ad- 
dresses to audiences aggregating about 
seventeen hundred in three Christian Re- 



218 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



furmccl churches, and a Church of the 
Brethren in llrand Rapids. Mich. The 
meeting in the Eastern Avenue Christian 
Reformed Church in that city on the 
following Tuesday evening was more 
largely attended than some anticipated 
who had held previous weeks' night 
meetings. At my lectures following in 
the Reformed and Nazareth Lutheran 
Oiurches in Detroit, ]\Iich.. the attend- 
ance was not large but they were well 
supported, considering their situation. 
In each the pastors assured me of their 
appreciation and expressed their judg- 
ment that good was accomplished. 

The much beloved pastor of the Chris- 
tian Reformed Church, East Side, Cleve- 
land, Ohio, having accepted a call to 
another field made my ' coming to that 
people to aid in Sabbath service espe- 
cially acceptable. They gave their usual 
kindly support, together with a good list 
of Cynosure readers. The lecture in 
the West Side Church, Monday evening, 
was announced for men, young and old, 
the pastor thinking the proposed account 
of the Masonic initiation would interest 
them more than the ladies. Since the 
ladies are allowed to vote I have heard 
in certain quarters it is proposed to also 
initiate them as Masons. There were 
about one hundred who attended this 
meeting. Questions asked and answered 
added to the interest. I was told that 
some Lutheran friends in Detroit are 
feeling the necessity of being more rigid 
in executing the law excluding lodge 
members, and they are seeking to purge 
some churches that have been lax in en- 
forcing the rule. All the churches ad- 
dressed either gave collections or prom- 
ised them. 

There were some large contributions. 
The First Christian Reformed Church 
of Grand Rapids headed the list as to 
amount, the Bethany Christian Reformed 
Church, Muskegon, being next. Others 
helped as well in proportion to the num- 
ber in attendance. All will be duly 
acknowledged. The N. C. A. needs are 
increased with the general need of the 
world, but God raises up the helpers as 
we seek to do our part. The few days 
at home passed all too quickly. The half 
bushel of potatoes planted in the garden 
had multiplied to nearly ten. The hens 



were still attending to their tasks and 
there is fair prospect for food ahead. 

I found New York the same noisy, 
rushing city with its millions riding un- 
derground and under river, on the sur- 
face or flying overhead. A welcome to the 
quiet room at Brother Lagville's was 
aw^aiting so I could plan the work to ad- 
vantage. A run to Paterson, N. J., and 
vicinity resulted in the arrangement for 
four lectures to be delivered next week. 
Sabbath was enjoyed with the friends of 
the Free Gospel Church, Corona, Long 
Island. I assisted the pastor at the 
morning service and gave the message 
of the evening, my theme being, "Free- 
dom in Christ as Opposed to Organiza- 
tions That Bind the Consciences of 
Men." We had a free time ! I found 
the Star of Hope Mission shining at 
Paterson, N. J., and there was a neat, 
clean room for the passing helper. I 
accepted the invitation of the superin- 
tendent to speak at the Thursday 'eve- 
ning prayer meeting. I saw the same old 
"rock ribbed hills" in New England as 
our train came speeding to "the Hub." 

Never did the huge bouquets of the 
autumn leaved trees appear more beau- 
tiful as they blazed forth their beauty 
in all the colors of the rainbow, in the 
full light of the mid-day sun ! New 
England has splendid opportunities, but 
oh how she needs the Christ in her spir- 
itual activities ! He must come 'ere her 
splendor of character shall be complete !' 
God hasten the day when the "kingdom 
of this world shall become the kingdoms 
of our Lord and his Christ." 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER." 

Cleveland, Ohio, October 4, 1920. 
Dear Cynosure: 

I was at a great tent meeting in De- 
troit, Michigan, from the 3d of August 
until the 8th. I did not fail to declare 
all the counsel of God. It seemed as 
though people of all the nations were 
there. The Lord gave me power and 
wisdom to rightly divide the Word of 
truth. I find that if we live the life and 
teach God's Word, no man can stand be- 
fore us "all the days of your life." 
Joshua I :5. It was proven true even in 
Detroit. 

After the service one night a brother 
came to me and said: "I would like to 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



219 



have the kind of reHgion you have, but 
it would interfere with my business." 
I said to him, ''Don't think j.ust now 
about your business. Get Jesus Christ 
in your heart and he will see about 
your business. Don't let anything get 
between you and the Savior. When 
we repent of our sins and are pardoned 
we will be willing to run our business to 
please the ^Master. You get Jesus Christ 
in your life, and he will throw every- 
thing out of the temple that is not pleas- 
ing to him. Your body is the temple of 
the Holy Ghost, (i Cor. 3:16, 17.) He 
said, ''I am a Christian, but I am not up 
on the Bible plane of Hfe. I do want to 
be what God wants me to be." I said, 
"When you give up all to Jesus Christ to 
live his life in you. then you Hke me and 
others, will be willing to deny your own 
self and take the cross and follow Jesus. 
(Luke 9:23.)" 

^Nlany came to me and bid me god- 
speed. Some would say, "That is against 
our business.'' One man said. "That is 
against our education." I said, ''You 
are a fooHsh people. All of your educa- 
tion without sanctification is only damn- 
ing you. God does not want you to put 
your education in the place of Him. Let 
God use your education, if He does not 
use it, you might as well check your bag- 
gage for hell, for the wicked shall be 
turned into -hell (Ps. 9:17-20)." I said 
to my people : "You are serving the secret 
fraternity and you are leaving the South 
for the North, carr\'ing your sins with 
you. And the hellish Klu Klux Klan, 
the Black Hand and the Xight Riders, 
are following you up. The white man is 
wicked and you are wicked and unless 
you change, all are going to land in hell." 
I left the lodge people grieving about 
their secrets having been revealed, but 
thev had heard the truth all right. 

I left Detroit the 8th of September for 
Norfolk. Virginia, to attend another big 
state meeting. The large old tent was 
crowded e\ery day and night with white 
and colored. The tracts and rituals came 
to me at Norfolk just in time. The Lord 
let me expose the secrets to more than a 
thousand i:)eo])le. T selit the rituals out 
in the congrci^ation and sold them. One 
man .^aid. "That woman is a good Bible 
teacher, but somebody ought to kill her 
for giving away our secrets. What sort 



of a woman is that anyway? How did 
she get the secret of Masonry?" The 
people say so many foolish things that I 
cannot keep from laughing out to see 
how the Masons tell on themselves. No 
other lodge fights against God's word 
like the ^lasons. Masonry is the devil's 
tap root and nothing will cut it up but 
the Word of God, and that will not do 
it unless the man or woman who uses the 
Word has a life to back it up. If you 
have the Word of God, which is the 
sword of the Spirit, but you don't have 
the spirit of God to enable you to use the 
sword, you will not help the people. 

I have every scripture verse read that 
I talk on. And some of the people take 
the references down in their book and go 
home and get their old Bibles and go to 
reading for themselves. \\d\, faith 
comes by hearing the Word of God. 
(Rom. 10:17.) 

Many were saved in the meetings. A 
woman testified and said. "I used to be 
a Catholic. All my people are Catholic : 
but one day I heard a IMethodist preacher 
and I saw that counting those beads and 
kissing those little old idols would not 
save me, so I quit the Catholic church 
and joined the ]\Iethodist church, because 
in my very soul I wanted to live a life 
that would please the Lord. But I found 
after I came into the ^Methodist church 
that I was not helped by the card parties : 
and my mother never did allow me to go 
to the movies and dance halls, so I saw 
that the Methodist church was no better 
in that respect than the Catholic churcii. 
And while I was puzzling over the mat- 
ter, my brother had learned how to live 
the victorious life. He told me that if I 
would please God I must live holy and 
acceptable to Jesus Christ in my life. 
( I Cor. I :3o.) 

I sold a few rituals and they were an 
eye opener to some. I left some shouting 
glory and others fighting mad. Those 
who were glad wanted me to stay longer. 

I left Norfolk on the 20th for Buflfalo, 
N. Y., and had a chance to teach many 
different kinds of people. All the men 
in my meeting stretched their necks to 
see who she was that was telling their 
secrets. Many came to the altar for 
prayer and gave up their sins. 

I left Buffalo the 28lh of September 
for Pittsburgh. Pennsyhania. where I 



220 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



had a great meeting in the old Ebenezer 
Baptist Church. ]\Iany of the members 
of that church said that the lodges had 
killed the church. On one annual sermon 
day they said that all the bootleggers, 
gamblers and all kinds of men were sit- 
ting up in the ''Amen Corner" of the 
church saying amen to the lodge preacher 
who was lauding the lodge in place of 
preaching Christ to a dying world. We 
had a great meeting. In all of the de- 
nominations are those whose hearts are 
honest and whose names are in the Book 
of Life and these are getting their eyes 
open. Our only hope is in God. The 
only hope for our nation is God. 

God bless all the readers of the 
Cynosure. All pray for me, for I mean 
to conquer through Him. that loved me. 
Lizzie W. Roberson. 



CONTRIBUTIONS. 

Tames Pikaar, $3.50; E. E. E. Bailey, 
$3"; John G. Scott, $1 ; C. G. Sterling. $2 ; 
T. F. ]\IcLeister, $1 ; Lizzie Woods 
Roberson, $2 ; C. William, $1 ; J. E. Phil- 
lips, $5; W. L Phillips, $20; John A. 
Reynolds, $2. 

From Christian Reformed Churches : 
Second, Muskegon, Michigan, $5 ; Ack- 
ley, Iowa, $5 ; Classis of Illinois $36.78. 

Tract Fund — Charles L. Todd, $25.00. 

Cynosure Endozvment Fund — A friend, 
$90.00. 



CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN. 

In a booklet by Elder I. J. Rosen- 
berger, ''The Church of Christ" page 28, 
the author gives his own denomination a 
faithful warning. He says : 

"The church has always ruled against 
holding membership in secret societies, 
believing them to be a menace to the 
family, the church and good government ; 
';for they often hinder justice in our 
courts ; and they are clearly anti-scrip- 
tural, hence anti-Christian. The facts are 
constantly developing that there are those 
in the church who hold membership in 
some lodge ; and in places it receives very 
mild treatment, while in other places it 
is allowed to pass and nothing said. Just 
treat secret societies with tolerance and 
forbearance, and they will thrive and 
soon ride in ''chariots of iron." They 
will then laugh at opposition. The reader 
doitbtless has heard the story of the 



camel, that just wanted to put his head 
inside the tent door. The sequel you 
know. Secrecy now has her hydra-head 
inside of our church walls, and the same 
sequel is sure to follow." 



RESOLUTIONS. 

Classis Grand Rapids West, Christian 

Reformed Church. 

Whereas, secret and oath-bound or- 
ganizations are rapidly increasing in 
number and strength, and 

Whereas, these organizations are con- 
trary to the Scriptures and consequently 
harmful to Christian life, 

Therefore, be it resolved, that we, the 
Classis Grand Rapids West of the Chris- 
tian Reformed church, do again recom- 
mend the work of the National Christian 
Association with headquarters at 850 
West Madison Stret, Chicago, 111., as be- 
ing an efficient agency for the spread of 
much needed information regarding 
lodges and lodgism and again pledge our 
continued support to said Association. 
J. R. Brink, President. 
W. Stuart, Secretary. 



Classis Grand River Reformed Church. 

To the Classis of Grand River Reformed 
church, meeting in the 7th Reformed 
church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sep- 
tember 14, 1920. 
Fathers and Brethren : 

Where as, secret societies in our coun- 
try are rapidly increasing in number and 
strength, and 

Whereas, these societies are found to 
be harmful to the Christian hfe in teach- 
ing and practice, 

Therefore, be it resolved that we, the 
Classis of Grand River, recommend the 
work being done by the National Chris- 
tian Association with headquarters at 850 
West Madison Street, Chicago, 111., as 
being an efficient agency in giving forth 
light regarding the lodges. And we 
recommend that our pastors inform their 
people regarding the lodge evil in such 
a manner as shall appear to them to be 
most effective. 

John Webringa and B. R. Van Zyl, 

Committee. 



GLAD TIDINGS. 

The annual meeting of the Norwegian 
Synod of the American Evangelical Lti- 



November, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



221 



theran Church, held in Rev. Christian 
Anderson's parish in Alinneapolis, last 
June, requested its pastors to take up for 
thorough discussion the lodge question 
at their pastoral conference and to pre- 
sent recommendations to the Synod at its 
next annual meeting. 

The pastoral conference convened at 
Madison, Wisconsin, with Rev. H. M. 
Olson, August 24-27, where the lodge 
evil received due attention. "Very em- 
phatic and clear-cut resolutions" were 
passed v/hich will be presented to the 
Synod for adoption next spring. ''All 
pastors present were unanimously against 
the lodge," says Rev. Emil Hanson, Con- 
ference Secretary, and there is no doubt 
but what the Norwegian Synod will 
make a clean breast of the matter and 
compare well on this point with the other 
Synods composing the Syiiodical Confer- 
ence. The Norwegian Synod, though 
now only an infant body, has God's 
promises to build on, inasmuch as it has 
chosen God's Word alone as its founda- 
tion. B. M. Holt. 



MEMBERS SILENCE MINISTERS. 

The lodge question is an open sore, on 
some of our fields, because our members 
insist on the silence of the pastor. There 
may sometimes be a reason for members 
feeling like that because of the indiscre- 
tion of some ignorant preacher, who 
didn't have sense enough to say the right 
things, nor judgment enough to refrain 
from saving the wrong things, but in 
spite of everything,- we must be loyal to 
the standards of the church, or be a 
church traitor. 

When we promise to abide by our dis- 
cipline, as we join the church, it includes 
faithfulness to our reform principles. 
And no reform church can function 
properly, with a lot of traitors or cowards 
in her bosom. 

Let us be loyal ourselves, and preach 
church lo}'alty to all others.— T/z^ Chris- 
tian Conscrz'ator. 

The above item is from an editorial in 
the Radical United Brethren church 
organ, by its new editor. Rev. A. B. 
Bowman, who writes vigorous English, 
which the common people will read 
gladly. We welcome Editor Bowman 
and congratulate the United Brethren 
Church. 



A Southern pastor writes : "You ask 
about Texas lodge matters. Thank God 
we are free of lodgeism in our congre- 
gation. This applies to all congregations 
of the Missouri Synod in our state. 

Other Lutheran Synods are not quite 
so fortunate, but I understand that the 
lines are being drawn tighter and tighter. 
One of the Synods has taken the stand 
now to receive no lodge members as new 
church members, and to refrain from 
officiating at funerals where the lodge 
also officiates. 

This may be a hard thing to enforce 
and I am told that some of the congrega- 
tions are not enforcing it. but it surely is 
a step in the right direction. It would 
be better, however, to let the other Sy- 
nods speak for themselves." 



Rev. Wm. F. Berge, of Coal V^alley, 
Illinois, writes : "I have always been op- 
posed to secret societies for several rea- 
sons. They produce a clannish spirit; 
they shield and protect wrong doing ; 
they associate the good and bad together 
and the bad rule the lodge ; they sap the 
spiritual life of the church by drawing 
the membership into their fold and pre- 
senting to them a form of godliness ; and 
are also causing the money, which justly 
belongs to the church to advance the 
Kingdom of God, to flow into the lodge 
to maintain card clubs, smokes and danc- 
ing masters and many other unholy in- 
fluences Vv'hich undermine the spirit and 
lif^ of the church." 



SNAPSHOTS AT SECRECY. 

As time passes one has various 
glimp.ses of the lodge question. 

In our Men's Bible Class, on a recent 
Sunday morning, the leader went out of 
his way to praise lodgery. Among other 
things he said that he believed all pres- 
ent, except our pastor are Odd-Fellows. 
"Am sorry that he isn't one." It was a 
pretty situation for the pastor, who hates 
all oath-bound, hide-bound secret socie- 
ties, like his Satanic Majesty is said to 
hate holy water! Well, all the pastor 
said, was, "I haven't time." But the 
good Lord knows that he was just about 
bursting to say a lot of things ! 



The writer with his family spent 
August just past, at Mount Herman, a 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



November, 1920. 



meeting place for religious gatherings, 
conferences and conventions. There one 
may drink in deep draughts of spiritual 
refreshment, among the Mammoth 
Redwoods and Sequoias ; the wide 
spreading evergreen live oaks ; the Ma- 
dronas, ^Tanzanitas, Ozaias, and many 
other beautiful forms of vegetation ; sur- 
rounded by the rugged mountains ; en- 
gulfed by the twilight canyons ; lulled 
to rest by the clear streams chattering 
(we have no less an authority than Ten- 
nyson on saying that the book said, 'T 
chatter, chatter as I flow") as they 
rushed among the rocks. At night the 
"bold, brown owl" uttered its solemn 
interrogation : "Who- who, who- woo !" 
In this crazy period in this old sin cursed 
world, it is good to find a place where 
*■ nature and folks are both at their best. 
On W. C. T. U. Day a prominent 
woman spoke very ably, convincingly and 
startlingly on sex, society and sins. She 
gave up her practice as a physician to 
take up this unpopular phase of reform. 
After the meeting I met her in front 
of the Auditorium. I told her how much 
I was pleased with her address. I said 
that she failed to mention on great evil 
of society, that is doing very much today 
to sap the life — the spirit of Christ out 
of the churches — secret societies. The 
dart struck the mark. She put her hand 
where the little bow of white rested, and 
showed another badge under it and said : 
"1 am an Eastern Star !" I said, "I am 
sorry." She said that she did not go to 
their meetings as often as she did. I 
said, "May the Lord give you grace to 
diminish your attendance and your in- 
terest in that direction, more and more." 
The lady with her said that when they 
came to the coast her husband was a 
Knight Templar, but when they got fully 
converted to Christ, he had quit going to 
the lodge. 

I went down the tan bark trail to the 
postoffice. While in line waiting for the 
mail the man ahead of me said that he 
was a Mason, but for some time he had 
abandoned them and holding his hand 
heavenward said: "My sign now is for 
Christ, and I am done with the other!" 
I shook his hand warmly and wished him 
Cjodspeed. So there are good rays of 
light among the world's gloom. 

Truthful Thomas. 



WORLD PEACE. 

BY W. H. DAVIS. 

World peace is the most pressing need 
of the hour. There can be no world jus- 
tice until there is world peace. There 
are many new and small states that can- 
not govern and protect themselves, but 
must be assisted or governed by the re- 
sponsible nations of the world. Europe 
in her distress needs financial assistance 
and benevolent counsel. 

The war is over and not over. Eng- 
land, France, Italy and Japan must go 
with wary steps or lose all they have 
gained and more. 

Our greatest problem is that of labor. 
There can be no question but that in the 
past labor has not received its just share 
of returns. On the other hand labor at 
present has wrung from business all it 
could possibly get, but up to date has not 
been able to get sufficient to be a danger 
and menace. 

A League of Nations is functioning. 
It doubtless has a few injustices and in- 
equalities, but as a whole is a remarkable 
document with wise provisions to stabil- 
ize our world. 

The League of Nations opponents ap- 
parently forget that it is not sections, 
chapters, reservations, amendments, or 
particular phrasings that will insure 
peace. A corrupt power or force back 
of any covenant would destroy any hope 
of permanence or security. Even the 
Ten Commandments, as a basic constitu- 
tion, with a corrupt power supporting it, 
might be only a source of tyranny and 
oppression. So the League of Nations, 
to be any adequate benefit, must rest at 
the last on the forces back of it, which 
will hold the world steady until it can 
recover, and take up its normal political, 
social, and economic Hfe. And viewing 
it from this angle what is there back of 
the League? We can only reply, Eng- 
land, Erance, Italy, Japan, and some 
smaller states. If they are strong 
enough, wise enough and have the will to 
unite in order to govern the world by 
their predominating force and counsel, 
all will be well. Otherwise there is noth- 
ing ahead of us but continual wars, con- 
fusion, strife, often to reach even to 
annrchv. 



November, 1920. CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 223 



KNIGHT TEMPLARS DAY. 

What means this gathering multitude of folks upon our street? 

With byways closed, and autos stopped and sound of marching feet? 

What means all this performance here, just tell me friend, I pray. 

Well, where've you been, that you've not heard of this Knights Templars' day 

Oh, yes, my friend, I see them now, great plumes upon their head, 

And swords they wear and medals, too ! what for, to make a spread ? 

And why all this regalia, expensive dress and braid? 

I can't quite understand the need of such a great parade. 

Perhaps it's all in keeping with the spirit of the day. 

But friend, the humble life suits me, instead of such display. ^ 

Hark ! now the band is playing, too, a good old sacred air. 
That God moved some saint to write, to help toward "the golden stair" ; 
To lift the burdens of the day ; to comfort in distress ; 
To help us live more godly lives, and all His people bless. 
Now lodge parades with sacred hymns, that don't exalt our Lord, 
Seem out of line with Holy Writ, yea, profane God's own Word. 

Now in this world in which we live, there's lots of dress-parade. 
But life, worth while it 'pears to me of greater things is made. 
Instead of uniforms and plumes, and pomp and pride and puff. 
The humble Christlike life, for me, is truly good enough. 

I want to walk the narrow way, that leadeth unto life, 
Where we shall ever be secure from worldly care and strife. 
And if I reach that blest abode, which for His saints He made, 
I must a godly life show forth, instead of dress parade. 

I want my life to speak for God, I long for Him to shine 
I'd rather don the righteous robe, than earthly costumes fine. 
I'd rather go, unpraised upon the narrow road, than know 
I held the empty honors that the world alone bestows. 

I'd rather do in quiet way, the things God bids me do, 

I'd rather all unheard of go my earthly pathway through 

Instead of earthly honors here, I'd rather be unknown 

Beyond the little narrow sphere in life we call our own. 

I'd rather have the consciousness, that when from earth I've gone 

I'd hear the Master's matchless words, 'T say to thee^ Well done." 

I'd rather die in poverty, without a tear or flower 
Than own the boundless wealth of earth, and in my dying hour 
Feel then that I had missed the road that leadeth unto rest, 
And fail to hear the Saviour say, "Come unto Me, ye blest." 

I'd rather die alone, forlorn on some far distant isle 

And feel that I was dying with the joy of heaven's smile. 

Than have the world in pomp and pride around my death-l)ed stand, 

And know assuredly that I had lost the glory land. 

Ernest M. \\^nEELER. 
Charlotte, IMichigan. 



STANDARD WORKS 

-ON 

Secret Societies 



MODERN PROPHETS of BAAL 

OR 

WATCHMEN on ZION'S WALLS 

% By President C. A. Blanchard. 

This is a tract especially intended for ministers. The term Baalism in referring to 
Masonry is used figuratively. *'If we say Lord to any one who is not God, then we 
are worshipers of Baal and if we, who are religious teachers, call any one Lord 
except the true God, then we are prophets of Baal.'* This tract, in addition to setting 
forth the real relation of Masonic ministers to a heathen system, also gives the reasons 
why Christian preachers become prophets of Baal. 

In the appendix there is a chapter on Masonic Theology, taken from Mackey's "Masonic 
RituaHst", the author being the well known Past General Grand High Priest of the General 
Grand Chapter of the United States. There is also A Word to Bible Students, by Dean 
J. M. Gray, D. D., of the Moody Bible Institute, and there is a page of Bible quotations 
which are important in this connection, ^ 

Thirty-two pages; Single copies three cents, per hundred, ^2.00 postpaid. ly^ 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago Ills. 



Knights of Columbus 

ILLUSTRATED 

A COMPLETE RITUAL AND HISTORY OF THE FIRST 
THREE DEGREES. INCLUDING ALL SECRET 
"WORK", FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY A FORMER 
MEMBER OF THE ORDER. 

This work gives the proper position of each officer during the 
meetings, the proper manner of conducting the business of 
the Knights of Columbus, order of opening and closing 
of the Lodge, dress of candidates, ceremony of initiation; giving 
the signs, grips, pass words, etc. Convenient pocket size. 

Paper Covers - - - $ .75 
Cloth _ _ - - 1.00 

National Christian Association 

850 W. Madison Street CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 




VOL. LIII. 



CHICAGO, DECEMBER, 1920. 



XO. 8 




THE TWENTY-THIRD PSALM. 
Arranged by J. R. Mott. 

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want for 
rest, for He maketh me to lie down in green 
pastures. 

I shall not want for refreshment, for He lead- 
eth me beside the still waters ; 

I shall not want for forgiveness, for He re- 
storeth my soul; 

I shall not want for guidance, for He leadeth 
me in paths of righteousness for His name's 
sake ; 

I shall not want for companionship, yea, though 
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
thou art with me; 

I shall not want for comfort, for Thy rod and 
staff they comfort me ; 

I shall not want for sustenance, for Thou pre- 
parest a table before me in the presence of mine 
enemies ; 

I shall not want for joy, for Thou anointest 
my head with oil and my cup runneth over; 

I shall not want for anything in this life, for 
surely goodness and mercy .shall follow me all 
the days of my life ; 

I shall not want for anything in the life to come, 
for I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 
— Selected. 



=i 




OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAR 



VOL. LIII. No. 8. 



CHICAGO 



DECEMBER, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 

Pybflthed Monthly by th« National Christian 
Aa«oclatlon. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 



TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE— Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribe for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In such cases, if w© are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not re&u* 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wi 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should he addressed to 
Wm. I. Phliilps, Qen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 
Entered as Second-class matter May 19, 1887, 

fit the Post Qflftce at Chicago, 111., under Act of 

Mar«h 3, 1879. 



CONTENTS 



The Twenty-Third Psalm, arranged by 
J. R. Mott Cover 

Marshall Foch to American Children.. 227 

My Creed, by Rev. Howard Walter. ..... 228 

Mystery, Brotherhood, Benefits. What a 
Seceder Found, by Paul DeRoy Winn.. 228 

A Bible Conference at Rochester, N. Y., 
by President C. A. Blanchard 228 

The Masonic Overseas Mission and the 
Y. M. C. A 229 

He Testifies Against the Secret Lodge, by 
T. W. Goodwill — Moody Bible Institute 
Monthly 2^') 

Photograph, Marengo Avenue, Pasadena, 
California 231 

The Question of the Hour, by E. E. Flagg 
— continued story • • 231 

The Moody Bible Institute . . ; 238 

The Open Shop Issue — Fibre and Fabric. 233 

Closed Shop "Monopoly," Court Rules — 
Chicago Tribune 238 

Illustration, Cathedral Spires, Yosemite 
Valley 23& 

In Memoriam — Rev. Dr. W. G. Waddle 
and wife 239 



Our Present Day Attitude Toward the 
Lodge, by Rev. J. R. Graebner 240 

The Pre-eminence of Christ, by George • 
M. Landis 224 

Masonic Invention for Boys — The Build- 
er, Masonic Magazine • • 246 

Christian Attitude on Japanese Question 
— The Banner 246 

The Lodge in Political Campaigns...... 247 

The President-Elect — The Fortnigjitly 
Revieiv • . 248 

News of Our Work: 

Iowa Christian Association, by Rev. 
W. R. Emerson...... 248 

Kind Words from Friends 249 

Eastern Secretary's Report, by Rev. 
W. B. Stoddard 250 

Southern Agent's Report, by Rev. F. 
J. Davidson 251 

"Lizzie Woods' Letter," by Mrs. L. W. 
Roberson 252 

From "Lizzie Woods' " Daughter, Mrs. 
Ida Baker 255 

Tract Fund for Ministers 255 

David and Goliath Masons 255 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 

President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 
Vice-President, Rev. Wm. B. Rose, 

Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary-Treasurer, Wm. I. 

Phillips. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

Walter Wietzke, A. W. Safford, G. W. 
Hylkema, Wm. P. Ferries, J. R. Shaf- 
fer, G. W. Bond, M. P. F. Doermann, 
A. H. Leaman, C. A. Blanchard, George 
Slager and Thos. C. McKnight. 

LECTURERS. 

Those desiring lectures or addresses 
may write to any of the speakers named 

below : 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 
Falls Church, Virginia 

Rev. Adam Murrman, Arena, Wis. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 
Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24th 
St., Argenta, Ark. 

Pres. C. A. Blanchard, Wheaton, 111 



There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
saved. 

—j^cts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus answerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have I 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 




TEAM WORK WINS. 

marshal' FOCH to AMERICAN 
CHILDREN. 

Marshal Foch, the hero of France, 
has paid a loving tribute to the children 
of America in a letter to the Junior Red 
Cross. A similar tribute by his wife, 
who was busy throughout the war aid- 
ing the children of France, accompanies 
that of her famous husband. 

Marshal Foch's letter, penned in a 
hand which spejls force and character in 
every line, reads : 
My dear children : 

I am very happy to address a few lines 
to you, to congratu-late you and to thank 
you for all the good that you have done. 
By your efforts you have done much to 
ameliorate national conditions in France 
and you have powerfully aided the chil- 
dren of Europe who have been exhaust- 
ed by the war. 

Keep faithful to this ideal — The great- 
ness of doing good with a large and gen- 
erous spirit. 



With my many thanks, my dear chil- 
dren, please receive the assurance of my 
best sentiments. 

Ferdinand Foch. 



In her letter to the children of Ameri- 
ca, Madame Foch writes : 
My dear children : • ' 

I know that you are members of the 
Junior Red Cross and that you render 
great service to those who have suffered 
by the war ; you contribute to their well- 
being and you seek the means to console 
them. 

The children of France, those of the 
devastated regions and those who have 
lost their fathers in the war are very 
grateful to their comrades in America 
for all they have done for them. I, also, 
thank you with all my heart, knowing as 
I do what the little Americans have done 
for the little unfortunate French boys 
and girls. These children will be very 
happy to receive playthings coming from 
America and they will appreciate them 
more than if they had been French. There 
is no better way in which you would 
prove your friendship than by sending 
them. They will be used above all for 
the Christmas trees which we have every 
year for the children of our soldiers who 
fell on the Field of Honor, and I can as- 
sure you in advance that they^ will make 
them very happy. 

I thank you, my dear children, for all 
that you shall have the goodness to do 
for our little ones, and I beg that you 
will receive the assurance of my friendly 
sentiments. 

La ]\lARECiIALE FOCII. 



Work is the only real self-starter for 
man's journey to success. 



Tomorrow's worries are largely over- 
come by performing well today's duties. 



9v>« 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



MY CREED. 

I would be true, for there are those who 

trust me; 

I would be pure, for there are those who 

care; 

I would be strong, for there is much to suffer ; 

I would be brave, for there is much to dare. 

I would be friend of all— the foe, the friend- 
less; 
I would be giving, and forget the gift; 
I would be humble, for I know my weakness; 
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and 
lift. 
— Rev. Howard Arnold Walter. 



MYSTERY, BROTHERHOOD, BENE- 
FITS. 
What a Seceder Found. 

The formation of my convictions re- 
garding secret organizations dates back 
some twenty years to the time of my 
conversion in an old-time Methodist re- 
vival where the evangelist wielded the 
sword of the Spirit with mighty power. 
I was only a young lad then but became 
fully convinced of my need of a Saviour 
and finally accepted Christ and yielded 
my life *to God. 

At that time I was a member of a 
young people's temperance order of quite 
extensive scope, from which I immediate- 
ly withdrew. With one exception I have 
not since been a member of any similar 
organization. About thirteen years ago 
I was induced by a friend to become a 
member of an insurance order. I was 
initiated but never attended again. I 
have since been invited to unite with 
various fraternities, but have always re- 
membered the divine injunction used by 
that old time evangelist, "For what com- 
munion hath light with darkness", etc., 
and have turned them all down. 

As to the inducements which such so- 
cieties have to offer, there is mystery 
enough in my redemption to satisfy any 
desire I may have for the mystical ; there 
is brotherhood enough in Christ through 
the bond of love welded by the new birth 
to satisfy any desire for fellowship ; there 
are "benefits" enough accruing to "mem- 
bers" of His body to provide for all 
needs ; there is work enough in the Divine 
commission for the most ambitious ; and 
there is enough reason for pride in the 
antiquity and future of the "organiza- 
tion" to which I now belong, to please 
the most fastidious. No man-made order 



can induce me to divide my time between 
it and the Church of Christ which is the 
greatest organization on earth, headed up 
by Christ himself, who, one day, is com- 
ing to claim his own. 

Paul DeRoy Winn. 

158 Institute Place, 

Chicago, 111. 



A BIBLE CONFERENCE AT 
ROCHESTER, N. Y. 

BY PRESIDENT C. A. BLANCHARD. 

I am here for a conference on the Fun- 
damentals of Christian Faith. It is one- 
of a series arranged by Rev. Dr. Riley 
of MinneapoHs, Minnesota, pastor of the 
First Baptist Church and Superintendent 
of the Northwestern Bible School of that 
city. The speakers aside from Rev. Dr. 
Riley, are Rev. Dr. Massee of Brooklyn, 
New York; Rev. Dr. Mtmhall of Phila- 
delphia, Pa. ; Rev. Dr. Trumbull of Ny- 
ack, New York, and the writer. The . 
local leader is Superintendent Slaght. 
The conference is held in "Convention 
Flail", which seats 3,500 persons. Audi- 
ences have been small but increasing and 
the interest is still developing. All these 
conferences are non-denominational and 
the attendance has been quite unrestrict- 
ed by denominational lines. At an after- 
noon meeting, not one of the largest in 
attendance, thirty-seven ministers of va- 
rious churches were present by actual 
count. 

Satan Came Also. 

Of course, at such a time Satan is 
busy. In addition to the usual appeals 
of the world, the flesh and the Devil, 
just now the old falsehoods concerning * 
Washington's Masonry are in active cir- 
culation. The lodges are holding ban- 
quets and giving speeches with the usual 
fictions concerning Washington being 
served up in all. ways to deceive those 
who wish to be deceived. Two of the 
dinners were held last night. 

Bishop Berry and the Order. 

One of our friends told that he heard 
Bishop Berry in a conference recommend 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



229 



his people to join the Masons and ridicule 
those who were opposed to secret orders. 

It is an old trick of the adversary to 
get good people to support evil institu- 
tions. Why does not the Methodist 
church require Bishop Berry to draw his 
salary and expenses from the Masons, if 
he works for them? This would seem 
to be nothing but ordinary honesty, yet 
he draws a salary from the church, sup- 
ports a rival organization and makes 
fun of old-fashioned Methodists, who 
live the separated lives which his church 
discipHne requires of them. 
^ Another Sort. 

But while these lodge preachers are do- 
ing their deadly work God is raising up 
men to bear testimony to the truth. In 
this conference Rev. Dr. Massee of 
Brooklyn and Rev. Dr. Munhall of Phil- 
adelphia have publicly before large audi- 
ences given solid and convincing argu- 
ments to show that Christian men should 
have no fellowship with lodges. It is 
certain that this witness bearing must 
result in fruit. God blesses testimony. 
He always has done so and always will. 

The Coming o£ the Lord 
is one of the great motives to a separated 
life. I do not happen to know personally 
of a single individual who looks for our 
Lord's return who is not opposed to 
secret orders. The reason is plain — if a 
man really looks for the coming of the 
Lord he simply cannot be mixed up with 
Qiristless and Godless organizations of 
one kind and another. The law of sep- 
aration is not only the rule of God's 
house but it is also the natural impulse 
of a Christian heart. The Bible schools 
and conferences are part of the answer 
of God to the apostacy of our age. 

Rochester, N. Y., 

November 6th, 1920. 



Make one person happy each day and 
in forty years you have made 14,600 hu- 
man beings happy for a little time at 
least. 



THE MASONIC OVERSEAS MISSION 
AND THE Y. M. C. A. 

Bro, George L. Schoonover, P. G. M., 
of Iowa, reports on the ''Progress of the 
Masonic Overseas Mission" in The 
Builder, sl "Journal for the Masonic 
Student," published monthly by the Na- 
tional Masonic Research Society at Ana- 
mosa, la. 

The mission — consisting of five prom- 
inent Freemasons, Messrs. M. W.'Lay, 
G. S. Goodrich, Wm. C. Prime, Town- 
send Scudder, and Thos. Channing 
Moore — after trying in vain to get rec- 
ognized by the War Department as one 
of the official agencies in welfare work 
among the men of the army and navy, 
entered into negotions with the Y. M. 
C. A. and finally was accepted as part 
of their welfare machine on foreign soil. 

The overseas officials of the Y. M. 
C. A. permitted Masonic meetings in the 
'*Y" huts. More than sixty Masonic 
clubs' were formed, and "once the Y. M. 
C. A. realized fully how catering to the 
desire of Masons to meet upon the level 
helped to revive its own usefulness in a 
considerable degree, they lent their full 
influence to these new and long-denied 
activities," nay, they even went so far 
as to adopt the Masonic plan of ''club 
co-ordination" and, "on their own mo- 
tion, assumed much of the expense of 
it," because they found that it was a 
real addition to their own activities, and 
materially helped their cause. They be- 
came convinced that "the IMasonic fra- 
ternal tie was the strongest tie binding 
men of the fraternity together — the best 
tie there is." 

NEWS BULLETIN NUMBER 2025. 

From National War Work Council of 
the Young Men's Christian Association 
of the United States, Southern Depart- 
ment, A. P. Oakes, Supervisor of Pub- 
licity, 51 s Bedell Building, San Antonio, 
Texas. [This "News Bulletin" was re- 
ceived about the time that the Armistice 
was declared, as near as we can remem- 
ber. — Editor.] 

Mr. Editor: All Masons and many 
others will be interested in this announce- 
ment of the formation of a Masonic 
Chib of Y workers in France. 

LTnited by three bonds — American 
citizenship, membership in the Masonic 
fraternitv and service in the Y. M. C. A. 



230 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, -1920. 



overseas army — eight hundred workers 
have joined the T and T chib, a recently 
foniied organization. These letters, it 
should be explained, stand for Trowel 
and Triangle, emblems of significance 
to everyone connected with Masonry. It 
is proposed to continue the existence of 
the society as long as the eight hundred 
and a good many of their brethren, who 
are expected to join soon, remain in 
Frafice, and, perhaps, for re-union pur- 
poses after their return home. 

At least half of the Y. M. C. A. sec- 
retaries now serving in this country and 
no fewer than''2 50,000 of the soldiers on 
General Pershing's army are Masons, 
according to estimate made by officers of 
the T and T club. Until recently these 
men had no idea of the strength of Ma- 
sonry in the ranks of the Y, but each 
recurring meeting of the new organiza- 
tion attracts more members of the order. 

^ ■^ ^ r'fi ^ ^ ^ 

Most of the officers and many of the 
members of the society have held official 
positions in various Masonic jurisdic- 
tions in the United States. 

Besides the Y. M. C. A. men, there 
are on the rolls also the names of sev- 
eral men not connected with the associa- 
tion, but nevertheless, engaged in patri- 
otic activities in France. 

Masonic lodges in America as well as 
many individual officers and members 
have been active in forwarding the va- 
rious war service campaigns and the 
total of their contributions is known to 
have been very large. The T and T's 
and their brethren are as enthusiastic 
over the work of the Y .M. C. A. as of 
the fraternity to which they are devoted. 



HE TESTIFIES AGAINST THE 
SECRET LODGE. 

The Moody Bible Institute Monthly : 

"Enclosed please find a post office or- 
der for three dollars, being subscription 
for two years, under the old rate of $1.50 
per year. I would have taken advantage 
of the offer before this only I have been 
very busy. 

'T find the Monthly almost indispensa- 
ble. I have studied along dispensational 
lines ever since I came out of Free Ma- 
sonry and secretism, and I can tell you 
it was only this truth and the witnessing 
of the Holy Spirit, that prevented the 



Masons from turning me out on the 
road. 

''They have tried every artifice that 
they could think of to discredit me before 
my people and before the public. They 
had it circulated that I had to be ban- 
ished from the place, that I was not a 
man of my word, that although I preached 
the gospel, yet I did not believe what I 
was preaching ; and when that failed, that 
I was not living up to what I preached, 
and in order to make this statement plaus- 
ible they tried to trap me with women of 
loose reputation, but the Lord delivered 
me from their schemes. 

''They tried to influence the church 
courts to put me out, and notwithstand- 
ing the number of fraternal men in the 
courts they could not accomplish it. 
The people backed me too strongly. 
They got behind the church finances and 
boosted the mission money from less 
than $1,000 last year to more than $2,000 
this year, and raised my salary, and made 
me a liberal present. 

'T am not writing this with any boast- 
ing, but only that should there be any 
minister who has become conscious of 
the apostasy of Masonry and yet afraid 
of their threats, he might be encouraged 
to do the right thing, trust in God and 
cut loose from them. 

'Tardon me for writing in this strain. 
I take the liberty because it was an arti- 
cle in The Christian Workers Magazine 
by Dean Gray, five years ago, that in- 
duced me to pull out from them. 

''May I ask your prayers? They are 
determined as ever to deprive me of a 
living. They must do it to establish the 
old time power and influence of the lodge. 
Nothing but prayer will deliver me from 
their hands. May God bless you and 
make The Moody Bible Institute Monthly 
a blessing. 

T. W. Goodwill, 

''Kensington, P. L. Q., Canada." 

— Moody Bible Institute Monthly, No- 
vember, 1920. 



That nation is rich, even if it is in 
material poverty, if it have virtue; and 
all the material wealth of the world can 
keep a nation poor, if it be in sin. 



The darker it is all around, the more 
our light is needed. 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



231 




ZMAREXGO AVEXUE, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. 

— Courtesy Santa Fe Railway. 

'iiiiiiniiiiiiiiin(iniiiiiiiiiMiiMiiiiiiiniiiNiiEiiiiiiiiiii:iiiiiiijiiiiiiii!iiiiiiiniiiiiiiii!iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!: 



The Question of the Hour 



By E. E. FLAGG 

AUTHOR OF 

"Holden With Cords." 



TIIIIIIIIIIllllllllllllinilllllllliniinilllllllMIIIMNIIMIilMMIIIIIIIIilllllllllllllllillllllllMllllllilllllMIM^ 

We cann'ot safely ignore the lea'st important of tiie many evils now threatening so- 
ciety, for as a certain French writer very truly observes, "Errors are always friends and 
ready for a mutual embrace." It always is in the closeness of that embrace that the 
secret of their strength lies, and only when Christians unite in one combined onset 
against all evil, shall we see national reform inaugurated on a permanent basis. 

CHAPTER lY. As he sits in his rude domicile, like a 

Stephen Rowland's First Case. bear in his den, we will sketch his por- 

A stone's throw from Stephen How- trait. He is large and powerfully built, 



land's office stood one of the few sur- 
viving landmarks that told of a time 
when the city of Jacksonville was a mere 
nucleus of log huts surrounded by un- 
broken prairie. Stephen had often won- 
dered why it was allowed to stand there ; 
and finally reached the conclusion that 
the owner must be a miserly, grasping 
kind of man, who was holding on to this 
bit of primeval property in hopes of a 
fabulous rise in real estate. ^lost of our 
conclusions regarding any eccentric or 
unusual action on the part of our fellow- 
beings are about as charitable and as near 
the truth as Stephen's surmising, who 
little thought that through this man he 
would secure his first client. 



with eyes as blue and keen as an Alpine 
sky. His hair falls in thick, shaggy 
locks from an ample head, where a 
phrenologist would find plenty of those 
unamiable bumps which characterize the 
born fighter ; especially if he be of the 
combative, destructive, aggressive Anglo- 
Saxon race ; yet when his mouth, shaded 
by its bristling, grizzly beard, parts in a 
smile, it has the winning sweetness of a 
child. Taken altogether there is some- 
thing in the general cast of head and face 
strongly suggestive of the portrait of 
John Brown. ^lartin Treworthy had 
often been told that he looked like the 
hero of Osawatomie, and no compliment 
could possibly please him better. In the 



232 



CHRISTIAN . CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



old stirring days of border warfare he 
had been one of John Brown's men, and 
when the curtain fell on the tragedy of 
Harper's Ferry, the man who had 
marched under his orders, bivouacked 
with him, and listened to his strong, 
burning, fateful words, felt the burden 
of prophecy in his own soul, as if a por- 
tion of his beloved leader's spirit had 
descended upon him. 

"It don't matter to me what folks call 
him, 'crackbrained,' or Visionary,' or 
'fanatic,' or anything else — that's one 
good thing; and it don't matter any to 
the captain, that's another. He was the 
only one that dared to do instead of writ- 
ing and speechifying. He struck slavery 
right at its heart, and it will never get 
over the blow. He don't need me to 
stand up for him,. but every time I read 
in Revelation I can shut my eyes and see 
him as plain as day, sitting on a white 
horse and following the One in the ves- 
ture dipped in blood, with the sharp 
sword going out of his mouth. Now I've 
pondered a good deal on that passage and 
similar ones. I tell you the American 
people have got a cup of trembling to 
drink before the Lord gets through reck- 
oning with 'em. The time is coming 
when he shall tread the winepress of the 
fierceness of his wrath against this na- 
tion, and blood shall come out of the 
winepress, even unto the horses' bridles." 

It was not long before the first gun 
fired on Fort Sumter startled the North 
from its dream of peace and safety, and 
Martin Treworthy, as he buckled on his 
knapsack and shouldered his musket, 
knew that the hour of which he proph- 
esied was casting its shadow on the dial. 
And when around hundreds of camp- 
fires rose the stirring strains of the John 
Brown song, he only saw, plainer than 
ever, the soul of the old martyr-hero 
''marching on" after his Celestial Chief, 
who had waited in divine patience, while 
the cries of his enslaved children mingled 
with the prayers of his saints on the 
golden altar, till now ''the day of ven- 
geance was in his heart and the year of 
his redeemed had come." 

He had been through all the hardest- 
fought battles o£ the war, Gettysburg, 
Antietam, James River and the Wilder- 
ness. He came out of the army as he 
entered it, a private, his only badge of 



distinction some honorable wounds that 
disabled him from active labor. But he 
had his pension and a small sum laid up 
besides, and on this he lived very com- 
fortably. He was one of the first set- 
tlers of Jacksonville, and though the 
price of the land on which stood his 
primitive dwelling would have added not 
a little to his worldly wealth, he had 
steadily refused all offers to sell, though 
not everybody knew the reason why. 

He had come to Jacksonville when its 
future greatness existed only in the 
speculator's brain, a middle-aged man, 
with life's summer just beginning — a 
summer like that of northern latitudes, 
without any spring ; for he had been left 
an orphan in early boyhood, and remem- 
bered nothing since but a succession of 
rough experiences in borderers' cabins, 
fighting wild Indians, prairie fires and 
Missouri rufiians; varied, however, we 
must remark, by one great episode, that 
reversed the whole current of the reck- 
less backwoodsman's life — his conversion 
at a Methodist campmeeting, when, 
among other "fruits meet for repent- 
ance," he had given up his favorite in- 
dulgence of tobacco; an act which had 
more of the genuine spirit of self-renun- 
ciation in it than many a comfortable, 
easy-going Christian ever dreams of. 
The pretty "school-ma'am" who had en- 
gaged his affections, an orphan likewise, 
was a woman as fair and good and true 
as any of the heroines of Scott or Burns. 
But alas for human hopes ! Scarlet fever 
broke out in the school in which she was 
teaching; she caught the infection, and 
in one short week from the day set for 
their marriage he laid her to rest under 
the prairie roses, and tried to keep his 
heart from breaking by reading the four- 
teenth chapter of John, and thinking of 
those many mansions of which the Lamb 
is the light forever. 

"Somehow all this happiness I've been 
looking forward to don't seem to be for 
me," he said, when he came out of that 
first trance of misery which succeeds 
every stunning sorrow, and realized with 
a kind of wonder that he could still live 
on when the desire of his eyes had been 
taken from him at a stroke. "But I 
won't murmur at God's dealings. They 
are all right and for the.best. The Lord 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



23^ 



gave and the Lord hath taken away. 
Blessed be the nam"e of the Lord.' " 

But while he bowed himself thus 
meekly to that mysterious decree which 
condemned him to loneliness and soli- 
tude for the rest of his mortal pilgrim- 
age, he clung to the home that was to 
have been hers with a tenacity perfectly 
unintelligible to any one who did not 
know the story of his fru^rated hopes. 
He had driven every nail with his own 
hands, exulting in the fact that it was 
the only frame house in the settlement. 
He had wrought into its fabric all the 
dreams and hopes which, in a nature like 
his, can have but one earthly blooming 
time ; and now that she had gone for 
whose pleasure and delight he had 
planned and labored, it still seemed too 
much a part of her for him to feel con- 
tented anywhere else. For, while he had 
not a particle of superstition in his na- 
ture, and denounced unsparingly the rap- 
pings, table-tippings, and coarse ma- 
terializings of so-called "spiritualism" as 
a fraud and humbug, directly inspired by 
the father-of-lies himself, he implicitly 
believed in a world of spiritual intelli- 
gences above and around him ; nor would 
he have been startled at any time if 
soundless footsteps had crossed his 
threshold, and, looking up, he had beheld 
once more, the blue eyes and brown hair, 
all transfigured with that tender, im- 
mortal light which only rests on the fore- 
heads of the redeemed. 

So much for Martin Treworthy, a real 
old Ironside, "born out of due season ;" 
a prophet without honor save among a 
few who liked his rugged utterances, or 
as they would have expressed it, "his 
way of putting things." He now sits in 
his leathern arm-chair, engaged in earn- 
est talk with a young man whose shop- 
apron and sleeves rolled up to the arm- 
pits, proclaim him a genuine son of 
labor; his shrewd, kindly face indignant 
and thoughtful by turns. 

"So you mean to appeal to the law. 
All right. If you come short, call on me. 
I've got a little cash laid by — what I 
used to spend for tobacco. See here," 
and IMartin Treworthy took down a tin 
box from a shelf over his head, and 
opening it displayed a goodly store of 
shining silver coin, "so much for the 
Lord that used to go to the devil, and 



I say, take it <o fight the devil. There's 
twenty dollars if there is a cent in good 
solid specie. Come, now." 

But the young man shook his head in 
decided, though grateful refusal. 

"No, Mr. Treworthy; your sympathy 
and advice is all the help I need. The 
evidence against Snyder is so strong that 
prosecuting the case cannot be verv^ ex- 
pensive. But poor Tom is pretty bad 
today. It seems they kept him drinking 
till he had taken enough whiskey to kill 
an ox ; and then in that condition he was 
arrested and put into a cold cell with 
only a little straw, and not a blanket to 
cover him — and it was one of the frost- 
iest nights of the season. Today he 
seems a little out of his head. It is an 
outrageous affair, and Tm bound to see 
what can be done about it. The first 
thing, of course, is to get a good lawyer 
to conduct the case — if I only knew what 
one." 

"How many 'good lawyers' do you 
reckon on here in Jacksonville?" asked 
his "counselor, somewhat dryly. "Count 
'em up on your fingers and see." 

"There's Greggson. Folks call him 
smart." 

"So is the devil, but I wouldn't want 
either of 'em to plead a case for me." 
"Then what do you say to Simonds?" 
But Mr. Treworthy looked no better 
satisfied. 

"I say he is a high Mason, and a poor 
workingman like you had better ke^p 
clear of Sublime Princes and Knights 
Elect and all such fellows. . What are big 
fish for except to swallow little ones ?" 

"O, if you come to that." said the 
other, as he uneasily shifted his left foot 
over his right, "every lawyer in Jackson- 
ville, unless maybe this young Howland 
that has just come into the place, is a 
Mason ; and all our business men, to sav 
nothing- of the ministers, belong to that 
or some other secret order. If it is an 
evil I_ don't see but we shall have to put 
up with if or else go out of the world. 
I know you think all secret societies are 
bad things, and I am willing to admit 
that there are evils connected with Free- 
masonry, but whetlijer they are a part of 
the system or mere abuses that have crept 
into it, is a question that I must confess 
T am undecided about. I believe the 



234 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



trades unions and temper^mce lodges are 
doing a good work." 

•'AMiy are not labor troubles stopped 
and the saloons put down then?" queried 
]\Iartin TreAVorthy, with blunt and most 
inconvenient appositeness. 

"Oh, well," replied the other, ''intem- 
perance is such a giant evil that no single 
man or association of men seem power- 
ful enough to grapple with it. And as 
for labor unions, where capitalists are 
growing more reckless of the laboring- 
man's rights every year, combination is 
the only weapon left. To tell the truth, 
I joined the Knights of Labor a short 
time ago, and as yet I have seen only 
good in the organization. The president 
and many of the members are Masons or 
Odd-fellows, and appear to be worthy 
and honorable men as far as I can judge 
— at least, most of them. Now, I really 
can't see where the practical difference 
comes in between a lawyer who is a Ma- 
son and one that isn't. Neither want to 
lose their cases." 

^Ir. Treworthy's eyes flashed, and he 
brought his hand down on the table with 
considerable vehemence as he said: 

"Nelson Newhall ! I am older than 
you, and I have seen the workings of this 
vile leaven as I hope you will never have 
a chance to. Difference? It can make 
all the difference between sin and right- 
eousness, truth and falsehood, justice and 
oppression, heaven and hell. I have seen 
rogues get clear that ought to have been 
hung, and far honester men sent to jail 
in their places ; and right here in this 
very county Tknow of two murderers at 
large for no other reason than because 
Masonic sheriffs would not arrest and 
Masonic juries would not convict. 
Wasn't I in the war, from the time the 
first gun was fired till Lee's surrender? 
and don't I know a thing or two you 
young civilians who never smelled pow- 
der no more dream of than the babe 
unborn? I could tell some queer stories 
if I set out to. As for your Good Tem- 
plars and Grand Army posts and farm- 
ers' granges and Knights of Labor, they 
are just so many wires to be pulled by 
Alasonic politicians that want office, and 
Masonic sharpers that want to line their 
own pockets with the earnings of honest 
farmers and laborers. And if a Masonic 
murderer, or thief, or saloon-keeper 



wants to go clear of punishment, hasn't 
he got just as much right to pull 'em as 
the politicians ? Then some innocent man 
has to bear the blame, for, as a general 
thing, if the law can't get hold of the 
right one it must have a scapegoat. 
These secret lodges, if they are let alone, 
will bring the country into such a pass as 
the prophet Joel tells of — we're dreadful 
nigh it no\¥ — 'That which the palmer- 
worm hath left hath the locust eaten ; 
and that which the locust hath left hath 
the canker-worm eaten ; and that which 
the canker-worm hath left hath the cater- 
pillar eaten.' That's my mind." 

Martin Treworthy was a man who did 
his own thinking. He did not even, as is 
the case with the average American citi- 
zen, let the newspapers do it for him. 
Thus it followed that to be favored with 
"a piece of his miiid" after it was once 
made up was a rather formidable thing, 
there being none of that malleable quality 
about it characteristic of minds that are 
formed of the odds and ends of what 
other people think and say, and then 
duly pressed and stamped into shape by 
that roller which we call "public opinion." 
So it was no wonder that Nelson Newhall 
winced under this speech, for he was 
really as honest in his way as Martin 
Treworthy, and had only joined a secret 
labor union for the same good and sub- 
stantial reason that makes one sheep fol- 
low another down a precipice. 

So he sat for a moment in uneasy si- 
lence, and wondered, for he was a simple, 
honest fellow, with large capacities for 
righteous wrath, but without a particle 
of guile or dupHcity, how so many min- 
isters and good men could uphold the 
system if it was really anything so very 
bad. For the large majority of mankind, 
who are neither seers nor philosophers, 
are apt to assume the existence of any 
popular evil as the ground of its right 
to exist. Nelson Newhall was only like 
thousands of others. He saw the lodge 
in power. It was no abstraction, but a 
tangible, unquestionable, undeniable fact. 
It was palpable and material as the Scar- 
let Woman seated on her seven-headed 
beast. How came it there? popular, 
powerful, entrenched behind such a bul- 
wark of custom, prejudice and fear. Had 
not wise men, good men and great men, 
lent it their silent influence, bowed before 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



not 



it in slavish homage, seen no evil in it, 
and furthermore, refused to see any? 
And could such men be wrong, and a 
handful of fanatics like Martin Tre- 
worthy, right? This is a style of reason- 
ing which may not be strictly logical, but 
all reformers, from Paul to Luther, and 
from Luther to Garrison, will testify that 
it is very common. 

Martin Treworthy, having had his say, 
was content to let the subject pass, and 
return to the immediate theme in hand. 
So he remarked after a moment's silence : 

"Why not try this young Rowland? 
You've got a good case, as plain and 
straight ahead as the Ten Command- 
ments, and I wouldn't be afraid to trust 
him with it. ^lelroy — you know Moses 
Melroy that lives over in Fairfield — used 
to be acquainted with the Rowlands be- 
fore he came away from New Hamp- 
shire. Real nice folks, he says they were 
— folks that wouldn't lie nor cheat for 
their right hand. Such families will 
throw out crooked shoots sometimes, just 
as a tree will, but it ain't the rule for 'em 
to as long as the main stock holds good." 

Nelson Newhall fingered his hat for a 
moment with his eye on the modest sign, 
"S. Rowland," just visible down the 
street. "I'll try him," he said, decidedly, 
and took his departure. But, like many 
of our human decisions, the factor which 
really determined him was one of which 
he was himself hardly conscious. The 
fact was, he was born in the old Granite 
State within sight of those snow-capped 
hills which he remembered dimly as in a 
dream of some former life, and the flat, 
rolling Western prairies, with all their 
material abundance, had never been able 
to blot out the vision, or make him forget 
his early home with its stern, rocky soil, 
its piney odors borne on every passing 
wind, its streams of crystal clearness fit 
to be a tvpe of the river of the waters of 
Hfe. 

But just here we will avail ourselves 
of an outhor's privilege to stop and com- 
■ ment on this curious fact : that Stephen 
Rowland's first case in court, one that 
was entirely to his mind, that stirred up 
all the chivalry of his nature, and fired 
his heart with that generous indignation 
which has been, ever since the world be- 
gan, the God-ordained force that has set 
those morning stars of humanity, the 



souls of heroes, prophets and martyrs 
swaying in their orbits, did not come 
through any interest curried for him by 
the lodge, but in that direct human 
method which lies at the foundation of 
all true social economy. It is astonish- 
ing, when one com.es to inquire closely 
into the matter, how little real aid to 
success in their worldly business has ever 
been afiforded to honest and self-reliant 
members by Masonry, Odd-fellowship or 
any other secret clique whose huge pre- 
tensions pass current today for no other 
reason than because it is less trouble to 
believe a lie than to combat it, and more 
easy to accept an assertion without ques- 
tioning than to bring that assertion to 
mathematical proof. Ronest, self-re- 
specting Americans, true to the old Pil- 
grim and republican traditions be- 
queathed to them by Puritan and 
Revolutionary sires, will prefer to gain 
the favors of their fellow-men in the 
legitimate method, by probity and strict 
attention to business, though at the same 
time they may be paying a large part of 
their earnings to keep in running order 
a machine which they have not the least 
idea how to work. That those who do 
know how to work it, who understand 
the use of every wire, and just how it 
connects with the lobby or the caucus, 
the court or the market, must have a 
larger reserve stock to draw upon, the 
larger the number of these ignorant and 
simple-minded members, is certainly as 
easy of demonstration as that two and 
two make four. 

But, as w^e intend that all this, with 
other facts equally curious and instruct- 
ive shall be duly illustrated in the further 
unfolding of our story, we will drop 
moralizing and go back fifteen or twenty 
years to the rocky hill-country farm, now 
one of the many deserted homesteads for 
which that region is famed, which its 
owner, Silas Newhall, in an evil hour left 
behind him to seek, with his wife and 
children, a new home toward the sun- 
setting. Silas was not a ver}^ active or 
intelligent farmer. Re planted and 
sowed and reaped with little regard to 
any of the "new lights" in agriculture, 
and when the soil in consequence paid 
him but scanty returns, he grew discon- 
tented and was in just the mood of mind 
to listen to an enterprising land specu- 



236 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



lator who tried to make him beheve, and 
with very fair success, that Western 
farms brought forth spontaneously all 
that was ''good for food and pleasant to 
the eyes/' and no more needed to be 
tilled by the sweat of the brow than did 
the original Eden. 

To his meek little wife it was a sore 
trial to leave old friends and neighbors, 
but after the first protest she had no 
more to say either in the way of remon- 
strance or complaint ; and so one bright 
morning saw their few effects packed, 
and they themselves on the way to the 
land of abundance, to find at their jour- 
ney's end only a tumble-down shanty 
waiting to receive them, instead of the 
snug, green-blinded cottage their New 
England ideas led them to expect. But 
this was only the beginning of disappoint- 
ments, for the new railroad which the 
enterprising speculator had enlarged 
upon as sure to open up a ready market 
for their produce, was not yet built, nor 
likely to be for an indefinite period ; and 
Silas Newhall found, too late, that big 
crops, v\^ith no prospect of converting 
them into enough ready money to buy a 
pair of shoes, only made their owner 
poorer instead of richer. He finally sold 
his farm and settled on government lands 
in a region farther west, only to repeat 
the old story of discouragement and fail- 
ure. He grew despondent and took to 
drinking, while the true-hearted wife, 
who had followed his fortunes with never 
a murmur, with the weakness of a mor- 
tal disease upon her, bore a weight of 
suffering to which the martyr's brief, 
fiery trial is as nothing. Nelson Newhall 
was fourteen. Tommy ten, and Dora, the 
youngest, a pretty child of six, when the 
inevitable breaking up came. The father, 
while intoxicated, fell from a scaffolding 
in the barn and broke his neck in the fall. 
The mother lived through the following 
summer, nursed by kind neighborly 
hands, and then entered that invisible 
world where alone the hidden purpose of 
love in her dark, tangled life-web could 
be made plain. Nelson, stout and strong 
for his years, could wOrk his own way ; 
a good, motherly farmer's wife volun- 
teered to take little Dora ; but Tommy 
had been feeble in body and mind from 
infancy, perhaps a result of that mysteri- 
ous law which visits the sins of the 



father upon the children, a law which 
seems to skip one and take another as 
capriciously as the cholera or the plague, 
and what place for him but the county 
poor house ? Thither he went to receive 
no better and no worse treatment than 
such unfortunates usually receive in 
similar institutions. Nelson, to whom he 
seemed the only living thing left to love 
and care for, used to visit him. weekly, 
and a§ soon as he could claim his own 
earnings took upon himself the burden 
of his support. 

But poor Tom, as a part of the dark 
legacy so strangely bequeathed, liked the 
taste of liquor; that is, he was always 
ready to sip the sweet poison if placed in 
his way, but he had not as yet developed 
such a craving for it as would lead him 
to tax his weak brains with the effort to 
g^t it clandestinely; and ordinarily his 
lack of money was a sufficient safeguard. 
But being unfortunately enticed one 
evening into a low drinking saloon kept 
by a certain Peter Snyder, it was con- 
sidered a very rare piece of amusement 
by the bar-room loungers to ply the half- 
witted boy with bad whiskey till the point 
was reached at which he was incapable 
of affording them further entertainment, 
when he was coolly ejected with a kick 
of his cowhide boots by the proprietor, a 
peculiar and forcible style of argument 
which Mr. Snyder found handy in cer- 
tain cases. In this condition he was 
pounced upon by a watchful guardian of 
the pubic peace, and thrust into the lock- 
up after the manner described by Nelson 
in his talk with Mr. Treworthy. The re- 
sult was a cold and high fever, which 
carried him to death's door. 

Peter Snyder was arrested and bound 
over to answer to two indictments: one 
for illegal liquor selling, the other for 
allowing Thomas Newhall to be made 
drunk with whisky sold on his premises, 
said Newhall being feeble-minded and a 
minor. He pleaded guilty to both charges 
and was duly convicted and sentenced ; 
for, as it happened, Mr. Snyder had 
never been able to obtain admittance into 
the ancient and honorable fraternity 
where so many of his particular guild 
find a. safe retreat from the sheriff and 
other "terrors of the law." We append 
his own statemeift of the reason, as given 
by him in communicative words to his 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



237 



various chums and cronies, only leaving 
out certain expressions, questionable both 
on the score of morals and taste. 

"I tell ye, now, my opinion of the Ma- 
sons don't take many words to say it in. 
They are a set of big, sneaking, rascally 
hypocrites. How did they treat me once 
when I tried to get in? I made my ap- 
plication ship-shape and stood all ready 
to pay my fees and dues fair and square ; 
but I wasn't quite genteel enough for 'em, 
so I got blackballed. I don't sell liquor 
because it is respectable or genteel ; I do 
it to make money. Look at Parker and 
Longman, and lots of others, all Masons 
and all engaged in the same business, 
only maybe they carry it on in more style, 
and dumed if I ain't as good as they 
are!" 

It will be seen from the above that 
many traits of our common humanity 
were quite highly developed in this poor 
rumseller; noticeably his tendency to 
justify himself as being at least no worse 
than many others. This, with the fact 
that there had been moments in his life 
when he thought of his good old praying 
Methodist mother, and half resolved to 
quit the vile business altogether and make 
a man of himself, coupled with the fur- 
ther fact that he had always put it off 
till *'a more convenient season," was cer- 
tainly clear proof enough that he was, 
after all, of the same flesh and blood with 
the general run of humanity. But the 
liquor business, like the slavetrade, must 
always have its Pariahs — men from the 
lower stratum of society who bear on 
their own shoulders much of the public 
odium of a traffic that they did not cre- 
ate, and which would fall like a millstone 
as soon as it ceased to be patronized or 
supported by any other class. Just as in 
ante helium days it was very easy to find 
good people who looked with horror and 
loathing on the slave-dealer, while re- 
garding with complacency or indifference 
the system of which that occupation was 
only the legitimate exponent, so the pub- 
lican of foreign birth who stands behind 
the bar and deals out the fiery poison to 
poor Pat, who goes straightway home, 
possessed with all the devils of the still, 
to beat and abuse his wife and children, 
is an outcast and a wretch to be spurned 
by all decent people; but what of the 
voter or legislator who^ in blind devotion 



to party or for the loaves and fishes of 
political power, is willing to ignore, and 
thus perpetuate the system which creates 
the rumseller? 

Stephen Rowland took hold of the case 
like a warhorse eager for his first fray. 
There was in Jacksonville quite a strong 
under-current of prohibition sentiment, 
which had been for some time slowly 
gathering force, and as the case was one 
which, in its peculiar nature, awakened 
sympathy, his vigorous and successful 
prosecution of it gave to the young and 
almost discouraged lawyer precisely that 
start in his profession that he needed. 

But we cannot do better than to give 
the reader an extract from one of his 
letters home: 

"Public sentiment is at last roused up, 
and on the principle of the one toppling 
brick overthrowing its fellows, there is 
some hope that Snyder's arrest and convic- 
tion will close up other drinking places 
whose owners are equally defiant of law. 
For my part I am only too delighted at 
such a rare opportunity to fight the dragon, 
for I expect to have more liquor cases on 
my hands; two came in to-day. 

"That Nelson Newhall is a splendid fel- 
low; a grand specimen of the genus labor: 
and Martin Treworthy is an old soldier who 
lives all alone like a hermit or a saint. He 
came and shook hands wnth me after I had 
my speech, and told me I had spoken like a 
young Daniel, and he only wished my folks 
could have been here to have heard me. I 
know, dear mother, that from my babyhood 
it has been your wish and prayer that I 
might be a Samuel. It hurt me more than 
anything else to disappoint those wishes 
and prayers, but if I 'dare to be a Daniel,' 
will not that do or well?" 

"It will suit me well enough," said 
Josiah Rowland, emphatically, interrupt- 
ing Phoebe in her reading of the letter. 
"Be sure, mother, when you write, to tell 
him that. And tell him, too, that I feel a 
sight more reconciled to his being a law- 
yer now that he's given them peskv rum- 
sellers a lesson." 

As for Phoebe, she was too full of joy 
and thankfulness to say a great deal: 
and there mingled with it, too, a kind of 
awe. Why is it that the Lord often seems 
nearer to us when he answers our pray- 
ers in a way we are not expecting? In 
the quiet of the bedroom which had been 
her "closet" for so many years, she read 
over again the precious letter ; then, fall- 
ing on her knees, tried to give utterance 
to her thanksgivings, feeling much as did 
Eve of old when she exultingly ex- 



m 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



claimed, "I have gotten a man from the 
Lord." 

But why did Stephen, in all his letters 
home, never once mention the fact that 
he was an Odd-fellow? one of a frater- 
nity so moral, so religious, so benevolent ! 
The reader is welcome to put his own 
solution to a question that -Stephen How- 
land had never as yet consciously an- 
swered, even to himself. 

(To be continued.) 



THE MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE. 

At the annual meeting of the Board of 
Trustees of the Moody Bible Institute of 
Chicago, October 20, Henry P. Crowell, 
president of the Quaker Oats Company, 
was re-elected president ; Hon. McKenzie 
Cleland, attorney-at-law, vice-president ; 
and Bryan Y. Craig, attorney-at-law, 
secretary. 

A total enrollment of 2,421 students 
for the year in the Day and Evening 
classes was reported and 7,514 in the 
Correspondence Department, these stu- 
dents representing practically every 
Protestant denomination and every state 
m the Union, as well as twenty-six for- 
eign countries. 

Instruction is given in the English Bi- 
ble, Gieek New Testament, Church His- 
tory, Apologetics, Home and Eorei gn 
Missions, Sunday-School Pedagogy and 
Management, Gospel Music, Dom_estic 
Economy and Manual Arts ; especial em- 
phasis being placed upon practical Chris- 
tian work of all kinds in churches, Sun- 
day-Schools, open air, tents, jails, rescue 
missions, hospitals and Army and Navy 
camps, Chicago and its environs offering 
the clinic. 

In the course of this practical work, the 
students under their instructors and lead- 
ers conducted last year 45,587 religious 
meetings, made 32,388 visits to hospitals, 
lodging houses, etc., distributed 427,863 
tracts and copies of the Gospels, con- 
versed on spiritual matters personally 
with 63,528 different persons, and re- 
ported 7,559 conversions. 

A large number of the students, both 
men and women, supported themocHes 
while at the Institute through employ- 
ment received in different business con- 
cerns of the city. 



THE OPEN SHOP ISSUE. 

At the convention of John Golden's 
aggregation of textile workers at Man- 
chester, the open shop was under serious 
discussion, and as usual "the big interests 
are in a plot to create the open shop and 
kill the unions." 

As the matter stands, textile unions 
represent perhaps one-tenth of the mill 
workers. It has been a case of the tail 
wagging the dog for years, and if the 
manufacturers in co-operation vvith a 
large majority of their responsible help 
do not enforce the open shop plan, they 
are not on their job. 

Joining a union, all too often, is a 
matter of force, sometimes brute force, 
and more often petty persecution, and 
tliousands of members are members in 
name only, because they prefer to pay 
dues rather than be open to the insults 
of a few irresponsible kings who are lead- 
ing unionists. 

Manufacturers have no objection what- 
ever to unions so long as members in 
their employ give efficient labor for their 
wage and leave the direction of business 
to the owners and their representatives. 
But when a gang of aliens or others 
Icmand certain things and arbitrarily 
assume the management of siiop detail 
and say who can and who cannot work, 
the bristles rise and there is a contest as 
might be expected. — Fibre and Fabric. 



CLOSED SHOP "MONOPOLY," 
COURT RULES. 

Newark, N. J., Aug. 27. — In a decision 
holding that strikes to enforce a ''closed 
shop" are illegal and contrary to public 
policy. Vice Chancellor Backes today en- 
joined the International Brotherhood of 
Bridge and Iron Workers of America 
from going on sympathetic strike and 
preventing completion of a new plant 
here of the Atlantic Smelting and Refin- 
ing Works of Brooklyn. 

Other defendants were included in the 
restraining order. 

The underlying purpose of such strikes 
is to create a monopoly of labor, there- 
by infringing on the right of employers 
and workers who are not members of 
labor unions, the vice chancellor found. 
— Chicago Tribune, Aug. 2y, 1920. 



Treat- a man as you would a picture, 
look at him in the best light. 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



239 




CATHEDRAL SPIRES, YOSEMITE VALLEY. 

— Courtesy Santa Fc Railway, 



IN MEMORIAM. 
In the recent deaths of the Rev. Dr. 
W. G. Waddle and his wife at their home 
in New Athens, Ohio, the antisecrecy 
cause together with a host of other good 
causes has lost two staunch friends and 
supporters. The passing of the wife was 
first, the Doctor's death occurring on 
October 15th, sixteen days after the fu- 
neral of the wife. Truly it may be said 
they were united and faithful' in their 
lives,- and not long separated by death. 
For nearly sixty-one years they minis- 
tered to the spiritual needs of the people 



in whose midst they departed this life. 
The United Presbyterian Church in 
which they ministered, and over which 
the Doctor was the beloved pastor dur- 
ing his entire ministerial service, was 
far too small to hold the crowds who 
thronged to pay a last respect to those 
they so highly regarded. Our tribute is 
necessarily brief. Dr. Waddle has been 
a contributor to our work and a reader 
of the Cynosure for more than thirty 
years. Our sympathies are especially ex- 
tended to their daughter, Mrs. J.^M. 
Henderson. .. 



240 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December. 1920. 



OUR PRESENT-DAY ATTITUDE TO- 
WARD THE LODGE. 

BY REV. J. R. GRAEBNER, FT. WAYNE, IND. 

(Continued from November number.) 

"Be Ye Separate!" 
Shall lodge members be permitted to 
hold communicant membership in our 
churches? Our Synod has always ans- 
wered this question in the negative. Our 
answer must be the same now, and must 
remain the same in the future. St. Paul 
writes to the Ephesians (4, 3-6) : "En- 
deavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit 
in the bond of peace. There is one body 
and one Spirit, even as ye are called in 
one hope of your calling; one Lord, one 
faith, one baptism, one God and Father 
of all, who is above all, and through all, 
and in you all." And to the Phillipians : 
'"Fulfill ye my joy that ye be likeminded, 
having the same love, being of one ac- 
cord, of one mind." (Phil. 2:2.) If 
members of a congregation should be "of 
one mind" and "keep the unity of the 
Spirit in the bond of peace," they should 
certainly not extend the hand of fellow- 
ship to such as are not in accord with 
them. We are convinced that the lodge 
religion is idolatrous, and that the lodge 
oath is a profanation of God's name. 
• Lodge members see nothing wTong in the 
lodge. Are they and we, then, of one 
mind ? By receiving them as members of 
our Church, we would create division in- 
stead of keeping unity ; we would change 
a Church of one mind into a Church of 
many minds. 

Partakers of Lodge Sins. 
But there is a still more serious objec- 
tion to receiving lodge members into our 
churches. We • bow our knees in the 
name of Jesus, and the lodge does not. 
Our tongues confess that Jesus Christ 
is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, 
and the lodge clenies Christ. Even the 
Lutheran Christians in the lodge, who in 
their hearts and minds worship the true 
God and agree with us in doctrine, are 
by their mere membership in the lodge 
partakers of the idolatry and other sins 
that the lodge is guilty of, and by treat- 
ing them as brethren and receiving them 
as fellow church members, we would, in 
turn, become partakers of their unholy 
alliance with the lodge, and, indirectly, 
of the abominations practiced by the 
lodge. Lodge members call men of* all 



creeds their brethren, and permit them- 
selves to be called brethren by heathen, 
Jews, and infidels, and we are perfectly 
right when we tell a lodge member that 
we cannot recognize him as a brother as 
long as he is a brother together with such 
as are not of the Christian faith, but 
engage in idolatrous worship. We should 
not protest against the lodge with our 
mouth only and confess Christ only with 
our lips, but we should testify against 
the lodge and confess Christ also by our 
action of refusing to fellowship with 
anyone who is in any way, intentionally 
or ignorantly, directly or indirectly, a 
participant in the gross idolatry prac- 
tised by the lodge. If it is proper to ask, 
"What concord hath Christ with Belial?" 
is it just as proper to ask, "What concord 
hath Belial with Christ?" 

Lodge Membership Contradicts Christian 
Profession. 

If a lodge member who is at heart a 
fellow Lutheran of ours, and does not 
even attend any lodge worship, applies 
for membership in our church and gives 
evidence of his Christian faith and his 
Lutheran belief, we must let him know 
that his lodge membership contradicts his 
Christian profession, and that he cannot 
expect to be recognized by us as an ad- 
herent of the true religion as long as 
he endorses the lodge and its false re- 
ligion by being in any way connected with 
the lodge. Let him come out of the 
lodge and from among the idolaters, and 
we will gladly receive him as a Christian 
brother and fellow Lutheran. 

It is understood, of course, that we 
should very kindly and patiently strive 
to convince such a person of the anti- 
Christian character of lodgism and of 
the sinfulness of the lodge oath and 
other lodge practices. 

If a member of our congregation be- 
comes known to us as a lodge member, 
we must deal with him in practically the 
same manner. We should make every 
efifort to restore such an one in the spirit 
of meekness ; but if he will insist upon 
staying with the lodge in spite of all 
that we could do to convince him that 
lodgism is incompatible with Christian- 
ity, his connection with the congregation 
must finally be severed. 

In our mission work we frequently deal 
with people who know little or nothing 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



241 



of the Christian rehgion, and who are 
wilhng to be instructed in our doctrine 
^\4th a view of uniting with our Church. 
\\'hether they are members of a lodge 
or not, we should instruct them in the 
chief parts of Christian doctrine, and in 
the course of such instruction, after they 
have learned the fundamentals of the 
Giristian religion, call their attention to 
the evil of the lodge, and frankly tell 
them wdiat our attitude toward the lodge 
is. If upon inquiry or otherwise we have 
learned that they are members of some 
secret order, we must patiently and kind- 
ly endeavor by further instruction to 
cause them to give up their lodge. If 
they will not do that, we cannot receive 
them as members. 

A Clear Case Against the Lodge. 
Let us also bear in mind that our case 
against the lodge is very clear. It can 
be shown, even without any documentary 
evidence, to any one who is open to 
conviction, that the lodge has a religion, 
and that the lodge religion cannot be the 
Christian religion. It is very plain that 
every lodge member by his mere lodge 
membership sanctions the religion of the 
lodge, and that therefore a Christian can 
not consistently be even a silent member 
of a lodge. All this is very clear. If, 
therefore, a person who has been thor- 
oughly instructed in our catechismal doc- 
trines, and who has also been made thor- 
oughly familiar with lodgism, still, in 
spite of plentiful instruction, admoni- 
tion, and warning, knowingly and will- 
fully by his lodge membership continues 
to deny his Saviour, and rather do w^ith- 
out the church than do without his lodge 
— that person cannot be considered a 
Christian. 

Lodge Membership a Symptom, of Bad 
Spiritual Condition. 
It is a mistake to suppose that our 
church, by its attitude toward the lodge, 
bars true Lutherans from church mem- 
bership, and puts true Lutherans out of 
the church. Lodge membership is a 
symptom of a bad spiritual condition 
when it continues or begins in spite of 
sufficient instruction and admonition. As 
a rule, a minister who preaches the cate- 
chismal doctrine in plain English, and 
testifies against the lodge, has not many 
lodge members among his regular hearers, 
^lost Lutherans in the lods^es had drifted 



away from true Lutheranism long be- 
fore they joined the lodge, if they ever 
were true Lutherans at all. -Members 
of our churches who join the lodge there- 
by show that they do not love their 
church. They well know the attitude of 
their church toward the lodge, and evi- 
dently prefer the lodge to their Church. 
As a rule, they by and by withdraw from 
the church entirely. 

It should also be stated in this con- 
nection that a church which preaches 
God's word pure and plain, and whose 
trumpet gives no uncertain sound as to 
the lodge, may hope that it will not 
have to give up many members to the 
lodge, but that* by the grace of God and 
through the power of His \\'ord it will 
keep its members true to their church, 
and also reclaim some of those who were 
misled into the lodge. It will also suc- 
ceed in getting some of those out of the 
lodge from se.ctarian and unchurched cir- 
cles who come to be instructed with a 
view of joining the church. 
Should Lodge Members Receive Church 
Fellowship? 

It is urged by some that lodge mem- 
bership should bar no one from holding 
church membership. It is argued that as 
long as a person professes the Lutheran 
belief, he ought to be welcomed to join 
the Lutheran Church, so that he will be 
kept under the influence of God's pure 
AA'ord, and possibly become so enlight- 
ened that he will leave the lodge. To this 
we reply, in the first place, that we bar 
no lodge members nor anybody else from 
attending our services or from our Cate- 
chism and Bible classes. In the second 
place, the plan has the one great disad- 
vantage that it does not work. Those 
that recommend such a mode of procedure 
certainly do not mea,n that we should not 
tell lodge members what our attitude 
toward the lodge is until some time after 
they have become members of our 
Church. That would be dishonest. To 
be frank with them, we would have to 
tell them something like this : "You are 
welcome to unite with our Church even 
though you are not exactly of our opin- 
ion; you think we are wrong, and we 
know you are wrong. But we shall work 
with you, and perhaps you will be con- 
vinced and leave the lodge. If you can- 
not be convinced, you will have to leave 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



our Church again." Hoav many would 
join the congregation with such an un- 
derstanding? And if some honest and 
practicable plan of receiving lodge mem- 
bers into our churches for further treat- 
ment could be proposed, what would be 
the result of putting the scheme into 
practice? Our case would be about the 
same as that of the Christian woman 
who marries a heathen man to make a 
Christian out of him. Chances are that 
she will never do it, but he might make 
a heathen of her. Taking lodge mem- 
bers into the church with a view of get- 
ting them out of the lodge is more apt 
to result in a spread of the lodge infec- 
tion within the church tlian in the cure 
of the infected cases brought in, as his- 
tory teaches. As a rule, congregations 
adopting this plan take no firm stand 
against the lodge, and naturally become 
more and more indifferent as time goes 
on. 

Dr. G. H. Gerberding, in his delight- 
ful book entitled 'The Lutheran Pastor," 
has some excellent paragraphs on the 
evils of the lodge, but he recommends 
that lodge members be treated in the 
church and not out of it. Referring to 
our methods of dealing with the lodge^ 
he says it strikes him as "unevangelical." 
He says: 'Tt is the spirit of legalism. 
It would make men righteous by a law. 
It would cure the evil with a church con- 
stitution." The Doctor evidently does 
not understand what our method is. But 
let us hear what method he recommends. 
He continues : "Our church does not 
deal after this fashion with other evih. 
She does not believe that the church is 
made up of those already perfected. 
With how much ignorance and sin do we 
otherwise bear! And why? Certainly 
not because we sanction these evils, but 
because we hope that in the church, and 
not out of if, they will be cured. It is 
our general principle that the church 
is, in one aspect, a hospital in which sick 
souls are to be healed. Here a new life 
is implanted, nourished, and developed. 
Here a spiritual hygiene is inculcated. 
Here the patients are to learn what is 
good and what dangerous for their spir- 
itual well being. So, it seems to us, we 
must deal with the lodge evil. The im- 
perfect, the ignorant, and the weak who 
are willing to learn, are to be instructed 



and strengthened in the church. In pro- 
portion as we succeed in preaching the 
love of Christ into the heart, in that 
proportion will the love of the lodge 
drop out. But the dangers and evils' 
must be carefully, clearly, and patiently 
pointed out, in public and in private. 
Not the people of the lodge, but its prin- 
ciples, are to be condemned. And when 
we have succeeded, first of all, in sub- 
duing the mind to Christ, and implanting 
the new love, then we have something to 
appeal to, then we can talk lodge, then 
we will get a hearing. Let us not, then, 
begin at the wrong end, aggravate the 
offender, and expect him to give up what 
he has looked upon as a blessing instead 
of a curse. Here also the expulsive 
power of a new affection must come in. 

"We are pursuaded that there is a- 
more excellent way. The writer has, in 
this way, been enabled to get men out of 
the lodge whom he could not have reached 
by a clause in the constitution or by ap- 
pealing to that. And then it must not 
be overlooked that by this evangelical 
procedure we do not alienate, drive out, 
and perhaps start toward perdition, the 
members of the lodge man's family. 

"We freely admit that it is sometimes 
necessary to debar or to discipline. And 
for this the constitution should provide. 
When one openly and persistently de- 
clares that he prefers the lodge to the 
church, advocates its religion, and is un- 
willing to be taught, he is not fit for the 
communion of the church, and should 
not be permitted to come to its altar. 
But • we are persuaded^ that under the 
evangelical procedure outlined above such 
cases will be few and far between." (p. 

241 H.) 

Testimony Almost Entirely Hushed. 

In justice to Dr. Gerberding we have 
quoted this passage completely. We take 
exception to more than one statement that 
it contains, but let us not enter upon it 
any more than to show that the plan 
proposed does not answer its purpose. 
To show this we need only to point to 
Dr. Gerberding's own Synod, the United 
Lutheran Church of America, better 
known as the "Merger," which is full of 
lodge men, in which all testimony against 
the lodge is almost entirely liushcd, and 
in which even ministers are at liberty to 
he Freemasons of high degree, and thus 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



243 



to encourage the members of the churches 
composing the Synod to join their lead- 
ers in uniting with lodges. We do not 
deny that Dr. Gerberding by his method 
succeeded in getting men out of the 
lodge, but we are also convinced that 
those cases were few and far between, 
and that his method does more harm 
than good. Undoubtedly the employment 
of it in his Synod,^the General Council, 
has been one main cause of that Synod's 
disintegration. 

Lodge members generally, in the 
church as well as out of it, resent any 
unfavorable comment on the lodge. They 
are quite positive that there is nothing 
wrong about the lodge, and it is very 
difficult to convince them of the con- 
trary. Some of them, even members of 
the church, go so far as to take their 
child out of the confirmation class be- 
cause the pastor spoke to the class of 
the frivolous oaths and the idolatrous 
worship of secret societies. How the 
policy of first joining the church and 
then leaving the lodge can prove success- 
ful is hard to comprehend, and, no doubt, 
the testimony against the lodge evil, what 
little of it may be left in a church in 
which this practice prevails, is so dis- 
guised that it can hardly be recognized. 

It is an old saying that our Synod 
will have to change its attitude toward 
secret societies or go under. The very 
opposite is true. The tolerating of lodge 
members in our Synod would be the be- 
ginning of its end as a truly Lutheran 
Synod. True Lutheranism and lodgism 
have never dwelt long under one roof ; as 
lodgism enters in by the front door, Lu- 
theranism goes out through the sacristry. 
Not only will the congregation soon pre- 
vail upon the minister to say nothing 
against the lodge, but the lodge men in 
his congregation will not be quite satis- 
fied unless he now and then speaks favor- 
ably of the lodge. If he refuses to offi- 
ciate at funerals conjointly with a lodge 
chaplain, for the reason that the teniple 
of God has no agreement with idols, his 
own congregadon will call him narrow, 
and he will finally have to engage in such 
abominable practice. Yes, he will find, 
sooner or later, that many of his people 
will not be fully satisfied until he joins 
a lodge himself. What else could be ex- 
pected? It would be the only logical 



and psychological consequence of things. 
And how about all the rest of our doc- 
trine and practice ? The idea Qf remain- 
ing Missoufian as we are with the ex- 
ception of our lodge attitude is nothing 
but a dream. There could be no such 
thing in reality, and if we tried such a 
change, we would soon awake from the 
dream and find ourselves in the same con- 
demnation with the Merger. There 
would soon be a strong element within 
our Synod that would object not only 
to all preaching against the lodge, but 
to all positiveness both in doctrine and 
practice, as we find it in the Merger to- 
day, and the process of disintegration 
would rapidly go on from bad to worse, 
as it did in the General Council and the' 
General Synod. 

Not only have we remained a soundly 
Lutheran synod both in doctrine and 
practice, but our uncompromising posi- 
tion has also stayed the process of decay 
in other Lutheran bodies. 'If the salt 
have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be 
salted ; it is thenceforth good for nothing 
but to be cast out." (Matt. 5, 13.) 
"Gone Is Gone." 

Luther says: "God's Word and grace 
is a passing shower, which does not re- 
turn where it once has been. It was with 
the Jews ; but gone is gone ; they now have 
nothing. Paul brought it to Greece ; 
here, too, gone is gone; now they have 
the Turk. Rome and Latin land had it 
also ; gone is gone ; they now have the 
Pope. And you Germans need not think 
that you will have it forever; your in- 
gratitude and contempt of the Word will 
not let it stay with you." Luther's pre- 
diction has long ago come true. The 
Germans had God's Word in all its pur- 
ity, but gone is gone ; they now have ra« 
tionalism, higher criticism, and then thej- 
got the war and anarchy to boot. i\Iay 
the time never come when some one might 
say of our fair land, "America had it 
also ; but gone is gone ; they now have 
the lodge!" 

Let us hold that fast which we have 
that no man take our crown. Let us be 
faithful witnesses to our Lord, and He 
will richly bless our testimony. The 
Word of God has not lost its power; let 
us but use it faithfully, and our church 
will continue to prosper as a beautiful 
garden of God, an oasis in the desert of 



244 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



unbelief, sectarianism, and false Luther 
anism. 

Jesus, Thou are mine forever, 
Dearer far than earth to mc; 

Neither life nor death shall sever 
Those sweet ties that bind to Thee. 

Jesus, Thou are mine forever, 

Sutter not myself to stray; 
Let me in my weakness never 

Cast my priceless pearl awa3\ . ' " . 

Lamb of God, I do implore Thee, 
Guard, support me, lest I fall; 

Let me evermore adore Thee, 
Be; my everlasting All. 
- (the end.) 



THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST. 

The December 1920 class address by 
George AI. Landis, valedictorian, Moody 
Bible Institute. 

At this final meeting of our class, per- 
haps no message is more appropriate or 
needed than the one contained in our 
class motto : ''that in all things He might 
have the preeminence." If the Decem- 
ber class of nineteen-hundred and twen- 
ty grasps the truth of this text, and 
translates it into action, God alone knows 
what the results will be. 

To properly understand this verse it 
is necessary, in the first place, to de- 
termine 

The Identification of the "He". 

The wisdom of this is seen in the fact 
that many people, yes, even Christian 
workers, are guilty of a mistake in iden- 
tity at this very point. Such is not a 
modern error for the Apostle John warns 
us of ''Diotrephes, who loveth to have 
the preeminence among them." Evi- 
dently Diotrephes identified the "He" as 
"I" and we are in grave danger of doing 
likewise. No mistake is more fatal to 
Christian service and testimony. 

Who is the "He"? The One who 
through all the ages of eternity has been 
the effulgence of the Father's glory and 
the express image of His person. Who 
is the "He"? The One in whom dwell- 
eth all the fulness of the Godhead bod- 
ily. Who is the "He"? The One who 
laid aside His garments of glory and took 
the cloak of fallen humanfty. Who is 
the "He"? The One who stepped from 
a celestial throne to a Judean manger. 
Who is the "He"? The lofty Sovereign 
who became a lowly Servant. Who is 



the "He"? The One who lived a sinless 
life in a sin-cursed world. Who is the 
"He"? The One on whose regal brow 
was placed a crown of thorns. Who is 
the "He"? The One whose almighty 
hands were nailed to the cross, whose 
loving heart was pierced for us ; the sin- 
less One who was made sin for us that 
we might be made the righteousness of 
God in Him the One who tasted death for 
every man. Who is the "He" ? The One 
w4io robbed death of its sting, the grave 
of its victory, and rose triumphant from 
the tomb with the keys of death and 
hades dangling at His girdle. Who is 
the "He" ? The One who has been ex- 
alted far above all principality, and 
power, and might, and dominion, and 
every name that is named, not only in 
this world, but also in that which is to 
come. Who is the "He"? Our Great 
High Priest who has passed into the 
heavens, and is set down on the right 
hand of the Majesty on High. Who is 
the "He" ? The One wdio some day will 
return in powder and great glory, riding 
on the clouds of heaven ; the One who 
will sit upon the throne of His father 
David, and reign as King of Kings and 
Lord of Lords. This One is the "He" 
— the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is 
w orthy of preeminence in all things. 
, Having identified the "He", let us 
next determine 

The Qualifications of Preeminence. 

Here again, is great confusion even 
among those who profess to be the most 
devout followers of our Lord. To some 
"preeminence" means "a place". When 
they make Jesus Qirist preeminent, they 
give Him a position in their lives, along 
w"ith many other interests. Oh, yes, they 
love Jesus ; but He must share that love 
with others. 

To a different class "preeminence" 
means "prominence". They tell us that 
Jesus must have more than a place in 
our lives, He must have a prominent 
place. He must be in that inner circle 
of life's dearest ones. 

There is yet a third class, who go a 
step farther, and give their Lord the only 
place. All other interests are laid upon 
the altar, while He is seated on the 
throne; life's government is placed upon 
His shoulder, His hand holds the scepter. 
Has your heart known this coronation 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



245 



service, whf re Jesus Christ is made Lord 
and King; and receives not a place with 
others, nor a prominent place with a 
few, but the only place — the preemi- 
nence ? 

Having determined the identification 
of the "He", and the qualifications of 
^'preeminence", it yet remains for us to 
determine 

The Limitations of "All Things". 

What are the boundaries of His Lord- 
ship and the limits of His preeminence? 
There are many who confine His sov- 
ereignty to religious or spiritual things. 
To circumscribe the minutiae of secular 
and daily life by ''all things", is foreign 
to their thinking. We are warranted in 
making but one assumption in the inter- 
pretation of God's Word, viz., that He 
says what He means and means what He 
says. Therefore, by this canon, the pre- 
eminence of the Lord Jesus Christ 
should extend to all things, both secular 
and sacred, everything pertaining to the 
life of the child of God. 

This truth has been impressed upon 
us during our two years in the Moody 
Bible Institute. In the class room, He 
was made preeminent. In our practical 
work, we were exhorted to preach not 
ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord. 
Our secular employment was to bring 
honor to His glorious name. In our de- 
votional life, He was upheld as the ob- 
ject of our praise and the mediator of 
our prayers. As we leave this hallowed 
place, God grant, that these lessons may 
not have been in vain. 

Some of us may not yet know our 
field of service. Shall it be in dark 
America or darker Africa, Mexico or 
Madagascar, on the field or by the fire- 
side? It is not ours to choose the field, 
that is the prerogative of preeminence. 
For us to choose is to impeach His sov- 
ereignity. Our field of service is -within 
the hmits of "all things". 

Jesus Christ is to have the preeminence, 
not only in the choice of the field, but in 
the service itself. How prone we are to 
say : "Lord, choose the field, that I may 
do my work there." Rather should we 
say, as our feet first rest upon His 
chosen field : "Lo, I come to do thy will, 
O God." And even though that service 
may be termed secular, it is sacred \i 
selected by the Christ. Again, \vhen suc- 



cess attends our efforts, and the praise 
of men is ours ; God forbid, that it should 
fan the flame of pride and shroud His 
blessed face with the dark cloud of sel- 
fishness. In all our singing, teaching and 
preaching, may the world see no man 
save Jesus only. 

Likewise in our pleasures and social 
relations. He must have the preeminence. 
Can a child of God engage in amuse- 
ments which are dishonoring to His 
Lord? Can he move in circles where his 
Master is a stranger? Can he enter a 
fraternity where the "most worshipful 
master" is of the sons of men and not 
the Son of Man? Can we, whom He 
has made the light of the world, reflect 
His glory in the labyrinths of secrecy? 
Can we, as members of His body, pass the 
portals which are barred to other mem- 
bers of that same body? Think you not, 
that these are within the limits of "all 
things" ? 

There is one more place where our 
Lord must have the preeminence — in our 
friendships and relationships. ^lany 
who have followed thus far, halt at this 
point. Some friend or perhaps a con- 
templated relationship is clamoring for 
the supreme place in our aft'ections. 
Shall we give them up ? Our heart cries 
out in anguish, "I cannot, oh, I cannot !" 
Softly now, our friends, yes, even our 
dearest friends are bounded by the "all 
things". The searcher of hearts knows 
our grief and would not make it greater ; 
but He can court no rival to the throne. 
And so, in tender tones. He whispers in 
your heart : "Lovest thou I\Ie more than 
these?" It must be Him or these. And 
happy is the one, who through the tears 
replies: "\^ea. Lord, thou knowest that 
I love thee." And joy, and peace, and 
blessing return, when He has the pre- 
eminence in all things. 

So we see the choice of a field, the 
service on that field, pleasures, social 
relations, and our friendships are all 
within the boundaries and limitations of 
the "all things" in which He is to have 
the preeminence. As another* has well 
said, "if He is not Lord of all. He is not 
Lord at all." 

In closing, may we lift our eyes from 
earthly scenes and service, and with the 
apostle of love on the rock of Patmos, 
glance through the curtain rent by revela- 



246 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



tion, at the glories of celestial scenes. A 
vast throng is before us, clad in the spot- 
less vestments of Divine righteousness. 
The sweet songs of heavenly harmonies 
and the wondrous words of a new song, 
sweep across the years. And what, 
think you, is the theme of that song? 
Are they singing the praises of earth's 
kings and captains ? Are the stately 
lines of the eleventh of Hebrews set 
to the measures of eternity? Are the 
deeds of these great heroes of faith the 
theme of that oratorio of glory? Not so. 
Listen, as the vaults of heaven re-echo 
the lines : ''Thou are worthy to take the 
'book, and to open the seals, thereo i ; for 
thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us 
to God by thy blood out of every kindicd, 
and tongue, and people, and nation; and 
hast made us unto our God kings and 
priests : and we "shall reign on the earth." 
And in the midst we see the Lion of the 
tribe of Judah, the "Lamb as it had been 
slain;" but now with His raiment irri- 
descent with the sunlight of eternal morn- 
ing. And round about the throne, angels 
and elders, cherubim and seraphim, and 
then "ten thousand times ten thousand, 
and thousands of thousands ; saying with 
a loud voice, 'worthy is the Lamb that 
was slain to receiye power, and riches, 
and wisdom, and strefigth, and honor, and 
giory^ and blessing.' " For in all things 
He must have the preeminence. 

And as the veil . is drawn, and the 
music dies away, on earth we echo back : 

"All hail the power of Jesus' name! 
Let angels prostrate fall ; 
Bring forth the royal diadem, 
And crown Him Lord of all. 

Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, 

Ye ransomed from the fall, 
Hail. Him, who saves you by His grace, 

And crown Him Lord of all. 

Sinners, whose love can ne'er forget 
The wormwood and the gall. 

Go, spread your trophies at His feet, 
And crown' Him Lord of all. 

Let every kindred, every tribe. 

On this terrestrial ball. 
To Him all majesty ascribe. 

And crown Him Lord of all." 



Forrest, a former undertaker. The offi- 
cial "Bulletin" of this order consistently 
and bitterly assailed the Pope and the 
Catholic Church. 

New York World, quoted in the Cath- 
olic Transcript, Hartford, Conn., April 

22, 1920. 

Order of De Molay for Boys. 
Fostered by Freemasonry. 

This organization w^as founded by 
Frank S. Land, a prominent Mason of 
Kansas City, Mo., in 1919, "to meet the 
need for a better organized, more ele- 
vating social life for boys nearing the 
age of manhood." It admits boys be- 
tween the ages of 16 and 21. There are 
two degrees with separate rituals. That 
of the second is "built around the burn- 
ing of Jacques De Molay by the bloody- 
minded Inquisition, on March 11, 1313, 
because he refused to reveal the secrets 
of the Templars." Any Master Mason 
is entitled to visit the chapters at any 
time and help out with the ritualistic 
work. There is appointed by the Ma- 
sonic body fostering each chapter a Board 
of Advisers. The order is not a junior 
Masonic organization in the proper sense 
of the word, but it is fostered by Free- 
masonry for its own purposes. — The 
Builder, Vol. VI, No. 8, Aug., 1920. 



MASONIC INVENTION FOR BOYS. 
Sons and Daughters of Washington. 

This organization was first heard from 
in the presidential campaign of 1920. 
Its chief aim is to defeat Catholics for 
public office. .Its leader was Jay W. 



CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE ON 

JAPANESE QUESTION 

The Federal Council of the Church 
of Christ in America appointed a com- 
mission as far back as 1914 to examine 
the entire question of American relations 
with Asia and Asiatics from the stand- 
point of Christian principles. For six 
years the commission has been investi- 
gating and studying the problem and last 
week, Monday, October 25th, published 
its report. 

The report states that the question has 
international aspects of the gravest im- 
port in which the whole nation has a right 
to be heard. CaHfornia is urged to work 
out its problem in the closest co-opera- 
tion with the state department at Wash- 
ington. Any other method will involve 
this country in international complica- 
tions. 

The following facts should be borne 
in mind. The total population of Cali- 
fornia has been increased during the last 
ten years by 1,048,987, while the Japan- 
ese population in California has increased 



December, 1920. 



CPTRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



247 



during this same period about 38,500, 
chiefly by births.. Consequently this is 
only 3.6 per cent of the whole increase. 
The entire Japanese population in CaH- 
fornia (approximately 80,000) is but 2.3 
per cent of the whole population. Out of 
II million acres under cultivation Japan- 
ese own 74,769 acres, which is six-tenths 
of one per cent (.006). They also culti- 
vate on lease, or crop-contract, 383,287 
acres, which is 3.3 per cent. /\s for 
Japanese births, in 19 17 they numbered 
4,io8to 47,313 whites, or 8.7 per cent. 
Such facts do not warrant the assertions 
of agitators, and the commission, there- 
fore, urges all Americans not to allow 
themselves to be unduly influenced by 
the politicians. 

The commission also addresses itself 
to the Japanese. It tries to impress upon 
their minds the fact that the vast body 
of American citizens will stand for jus- 
tice and fair-play in the treatment of the 
Japanese in California. At the same time 
it must be clearly understood in Japan 
as well as in America that the question 
is not easy to solve. The Japanese have 
settled in large numbers in several rather 
restricted, fertile, agricultural areas, 
tending to form colonies, relatively im- 
pervious to Americanization, and where 
the white population constitutes a minor- 
ity. The Californians themselves are 
partly responsible for this colonization, 
but at the same time it constitutes a seri- 
ous factor in the situation. The double 
allegiance of Japanese children born in 
this country is also a difficult question. 
All these facts create "an ominous situa- 
tion" and thoroughgoing legislative rem- 
edies are needed. 

In conclusion, the report urges all men 
of goodwill in Japan and America to 
strive for a peaceable solution of the 
■problem. Patience, open-mindedness and 
sincerity should be displayed on both 
sides. — The Banner, Nov. 4, 1920. 

THE LODGE IN POLITICAL 
CAMPAIGNS. 

From editorial in San Jose, Cal., Mer- 
cury Herald, Oct. 7th; 1920: 

'Traternal organizations are by no 
means a modern institution. Many of 
them are nearly as old as the human 
race. 

"One of them, perhaps the most vital 



of them all, the most vigorous and the 
most influential, has existed for more 
than a thousand years, during which 
period it has upset monarchies and en- 
tered the s^ecret chambers of dynasties, 
acquaintance with which for the ordinary 
mortal is next to impossible. 

"Individual members of these organi- 
zations will tell you that they are en- 
joined against taking political sides or 
becoming entangled in political cam- 
paigns. Xevertheless scarcely one of 
them succeeds in observing this injunc- 
tion. A candidate for office is, therefore, 
tremendously handicapped should he be 
isolated from any or all of these sys- 
tems, for, as we have said, whatever the 
fundamental constitution of an organiza- 
tion with respect to participating in poli- 
tics, it is very largely ignored, since the 
moment a candidate appears in the field 
at once it is noted that he belongs to none 
of the existing institutions and therefore 
cannot be supported by them. This is 
of course a mistake, but it will always be 
so, for men banded, together in a club 
or in a fraternal society are as human 
as those who are on the outside, and 
naturally and logically throw their sup- 
port to a fellow member aspiring to 
office. Indeed even though these or- 
ganizations be simply of an insurance 
character, which most of them are, the 
fraternal element nevertheless obtains 
and the members drift together automati- 
cally in support of their own.'' 



From editorial in Tlic Kablcgvam, Mt 
Morris, 111. : 

"It certainly must have been embar- 
rassing to General Pershing to have ]\Ia- 
sonic papers scrapping with each other 
over the personal question : 'Ts Pershing 
a ]\[ason?'' Some said he was and some 
said he wasn't. The fact developed that 
he was a backslider. ■ And the further 
fact that he slid in again shows that the 
discussion was embarrassing to him. 

"Now the query: Ts Harding a ^la- 
son?' is causing the same old flurry. It 
develops that he got as far as an En- 
tered Apprentice some years ago. 'but 
through the interposition of political ene- 
mies his progress was opposed and lie 
has not since advanced further.' ()f 
course, the brother who did the black- 
balling will be sorry now that Hardir.g 



24S 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



is a presidential candidate and he will 
permit the disability to be removed so 
Harding will be able to bid for the ]\Ia- 
sonic vote. 

"Do ]\Iasons vote for a man because 
he is a ]\Iason or an American? One 
would gather from the perusal of some 
^lasonic publications that the order was 
a political machine to 'see that only ^la- 
sons were elected to any office and that 
preference should be given to the ones 
with the most degrees. Such an impres- 
sion is absurd, of course." 



The" extracts from editorials published 
herewith are both from editors friendly 
to secret societies. Their statements are 
in accord with the facts known to every 
observing man. They show the absurd- 
ity of the claim that lodge membership 
has nothing to do with politics. 

Secret societies exert their power not 
only in elections but in our courts. Our 
government, from a democracy, is becom- 
ing a lodgocracy. 

We should take to heart the warning 
of the late Giarles Sumner : 'T find 
two powers here in AA'ashington in har- 
mony, and both are antagonistic to our 
free institutions, and tend to centraliza- 
tion and anarchy — Freemasonry and 
slavery ; and they must both be destroyed 
if our country is to be the home of the 
free, as our ancestors designed it." 

The words of Wendell Phillips are 
also very timely: '"Every good citizen 
should make v\-ar on all secret societies 
and give himself no rest until they are 
forbidden by law and rooted out of 
existence.'* 

Disraeli, Lord Beaconsfield, of Eng- 
land, said: "In conducting the govern- 
ments of the world there is not only 
sovereigns and ministers, but secret or- 
ders to be considered." 



THE PRESIDENT ELECT. 

Joe Zxlitchell Chappie in liis book, 
''A'arren G. Harding — The INIan," (Bos- 
ton: Giapple Publishing Co., Ltd.). says 
that Mr. Harding is ''soniethixig of a 
'jiner,' " and is havmg his reward. In 
^Ia^on, immediately after the nomina- 
tion, "the Hoo Hogs, good-natu-ed with 
ib.eir black cat ensign. Knights of P}thi- 
a^, Loyal Order of ]Moose, the Elks, Sons 
of X'eterans. and e^ erv civic or^'anization 



10 which he belo^.ged, vied VN'ith each 
Other in fraternal and almost aiiectionate 
greetings." The Jslasons are not men- 
tioned. \Miich reminds us that the state- 
ment as to ^Ir. Harding's membership in 
the Ledge, recently made by Louis Wirth, 
33 T. P. ]\L, Gibulum Lodge of Perfec- 
ri<- n, A. A. S. R., in the Cincinnati Tiiucs- 
:^iay (F. R. Xo. 19, p. 301), has been 
contradicted by E. J. 0'CoiuK;r, of Per- 
s-\ercmce Lc-Jg.' -A. F. (S: A. V..., ^73. 
who wrote to the Chicago Hcrald-Exayii- 
i-ic-f (see ChriJian Cyua<;i'.rc, \'ol. LI II, 
\o. 6, p. 176) that Mr. Hardmg tOvok his 
fiist degree as a ^lajoa (Entered Ap- 
prentice) ''sev ral years ago" and ''has 
not progressed any fartJier." Well, c:ae 
tiling is certain, if he lacks any legrees, 
t]:e Masons will gladly confer thcni upon 
'im after his eUjciioi^ — The Forinigiiily 



i^ehjg of 0nv ^orfe 



IOWA CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. 

At the last meeting of the Iowa Chris- 
tian Association held in Des ]^Ioines April 
13th, 1920, Rev. T. AA'eersing was elected 
president of tlie Association, Inasmuch 
as he declined to serve, not being present 
when he was elected, the duties of the 
oflice fall upon the vice-president, Rev. 
A. 'M. ]\Ialcolm, of Albia, Iowa. In ac- 
cordance with the desire of several of 
the association officers Rev. ]\Ir. ]\Ial- 
colm issued a call for the officers to 
confer in the Christian Reformed Church 
in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on Xovember loth, 
ult. Rev. H. G. Patterson, one of the 
vice-presidents, Rev. \\'. R. Emerson, 
secretary, and Rev. C. ]^Iaring, treasurer, 
and later Rev. J. ^I. \'an Der Kieft, also 
one of the vice-presidents, were present, 
as was also Rev. W. B. Stoddard. East- 
ern secretary of the X'ational Christian 
Association. 

Rev. A. ^I. ]\Ialcolm being unable to 
be present on account of illness. Rev. 
H. G. Patterson was chosen chairman. 
After prayer by brother W. B. Stoddard, 
plans for aggressive work were discussed. 
It was thought best to prepare for a con- 
vention and several towns were named 
as desirable places, ^^'aterloo was first 
named, then Grundy Center, and ]^Iorn- 
ing Sun. Upon conferring with Rev. 



bold: 



A- y: 



-i-snt Gi zb^ ll:iizz^ Sis^cas -dsctsii-is oc 






1= s^-t: 






y ~ 



HZkli.iIjSrjr .l-rH'Sr ■£ZIiZ:,;D'5€n!S. iQilT ZZst "^. ^ m ?: . .v! 



■- '•'< r_ iLrJ 



?-:^.7- 



- ~31 ber ^jdg v.n--: -e:' ' 












W. ?i Z: 






of WssbziCTo, -Al l ie s : 



— ------ £23rrik~:gr_ (r^gsscEr^ sn-d -card plajz^g". Ssrh 






A --^' 



rtI2-L5 will IIjlC 2C' 



of dae Ctz^s. Ttx:rs: zs ri? -a-s-T 



Cnirzr: in 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



Decemt)er, 1920. 



a $350,000 temple in our city and the ac- 
tivity in ^Masonic circles is very pro- 
nounced. A\'e have lost four members 
this year by the ^Masonic route but this is 
again our experience — the members were 
very poor church attendants and had in- 
wardly fallen away from the true Chris- 
tian faith before they joined the idolatry 
of Freemasonry. They summed up their 
belief in words : Be a good man atid you'll 
get to Heaven all right. He who has es- 
poused such paganism is a fit candidate 
for Freemasonry, but, Ave add, only a 
dead branch on the tree of the church. 
The church is a thousand times better off 
with such dead limbs cut off" than with 
them hanging on. The reading of the 
plain words against lodgism in your pa- 
per is a tonic." 



A man from Georgia writes : 'T once 
read a tract exposing secret societies and 
I have always been thankful for the good 
advice found therein. It kept me free 
from the blight of secret society member- 
ship. 



A Cahfornia pastor wrote us in Sep- 
tember that "This little tow^n is just full 
of lodges, and they are down on anyone 
who is not a member of their "magnifi- 
cent organizations." They try to hurt 
our people who are in business because 
they are not lodge members. They w^ould 
rob them of their bread and butter if they 
could. That is the kind of charity these 
infernal organizations , practice. They 
are undoubtedly the very agents and fore- 
runners of anti-Christ,— -the lodges, to- 
gether with the Christ-denying churches. 
I think they will join hands to oppress 
the true believers, and by and by will 
persecute them. But "the Lord reign- 
eth" and He is able to keep his own un- 
til the day of the glorious appearance of 
Christ." 



EASTERN SECRETARY'S REPORT. 

BY REV. W. B. STODDARD. 

Pella, Iowa, Nov. 15, 1920. 
I came to the prairies of Iowa especial- 
ly to meet our State Committee and plan 
ways and means for the furtherance of 
the work in this state. A report will 
reach Cynosure readers through the 
Iowa State Secretary. No state could 
furnish a stronger reform force than 



Iowa had they an efficient agent concen- 
trating and utilizing what is here. It is 
hoped the friends may rally and make 
the proposed spring convention what it 
should be. 

Since leaving* Chicago I have spoken 
to about eight hundred students found 
in colleges at Wheaton, Illinois ; Oklaloo- 
sa, and Pella, Iowa. I consider it a great 
privilege to give a message to those soon 
to be our leading citizens, and thus aid in 
directing their future into paths that are 
right. At each address good attention 
w^as given and an encouraging enthusiasm 
manifest. The young gentlemen and 
ladies found at these institutions are 
awake to the fact that the secret lodge 
system is extending its pernicious in- 
fluence in every direction, and is present- 
ing one of the greatest enemies they as 
Christian workers will be called upon to 
meet. This system of organized false 
worship presents a menace second to 
none in our country. Would to God all 
Christians were awake to our danger. 

Following my last report I spent a 
profitable Sabbath with our Free Meth- 
odist friends found in Worcester, Massa- 
chusetts. God's blessing was manifest 
at both morning and evening services. 
Returning to Paterson and Passaic, New 
Jersey, I was able to fill two appoint- 
ments in Reformed and two appointments 
in Christian Reformed churches. Ow- 
ing to a misunderstanding on my part, 
meetings were arranged for me in two 
places for the same evening. I trust the 
disappointed audience will forgive me 
and give me a future chance. I think 
this was the first time such a thing has 
occurred in my thirty-five years of N. C. 
A. service. Attendance and contribu- 
tions in these meetings were encouraging. 
At tiie meeting held in Domine Schur- 
man's. (Sixth Reformed) Church, Pater- 
son, New Jersey, a unanimous invitation 
by rising vote gave request that I return 
and deliver another lecture. The attend- 
ance was larger than last year at the 
North Christian Reformed Church, Pas- 
saic. A special feature of the meeting 
of the Peoples Park Reformed Church 
was the singing of the young people, 
who were present in large number that 
they might thus aid the Cause. 

My accustomed, rest time at home was 
cut short that I might spend Sabbath with 



December, \92*'^. 



CHRISTIAN CYXOSURE 



251 



]\Iennonite friends at Scottclale, Pennsyl- 
vania, headquarters. The expected wel- 
come was given and opportunity to speak 
both morning and evening to the audi- 
ences accustomed to meet in the church 
there. All were busy at the publishing 
house. I was told enlargement of build- 
ing is planned, the work having outgrown 
the present accommodations. A stop at 
]\It. Pleasant and Greensburg, Pennsyl- 
vania, was made to greet friends and re- 
new Cyxosure subscriptions. A wel- 
come awaited me at Braddock, Pennsyl- 
vania. On election day I found a con- 
ference of our ^Missouri Lutheran friends 
in session in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 
and arranged for a lecture I am to de- 
liver, God willing, November 23rd in 
Pastor Bornemann's church. 

IMy coming has been announced and a 
large audience was gathered imder the 
auspices of the Walther League in St. 
Paul's Lutheran Church, Riverdale. Illi- 
nois. Their oitering and their rising 
vote, inviting my return, was most grat- 
ifying. 

iVrriving at Oskaloosa, Iowa, after 
dark Saturday evening, I did not tind 
conditions altogether favorable for my 
work. The revival in progress in the 
Central Holiness University was gratify- 
ing in results. Dr. Butler of Detroit, 
^Michigan, was in charge. His able ad- 
dresses were divinely blessed, moving the 
large audiences in attendance and the 
converts were many. He hit the lodges 
straight from the shoulder. In speaking 
of Xaaman the Assyrian coming to Eli- 
sha for recovery, he described hiui as 
appearing in great pomp after the order 
of a Knight Templar with feather and 
sword. He spoke of praying with a 
dying man so saturated with i\Iasonry 
that he responded in lodge language, "So 
mote it be," at the conclusion of his 
prayer. ]\Iy dropping into meetings at 
the Pentecostal Holiness i^Iission and at 
the Free ^lethodist Church did good, I 
trust. I found a friend in President 
^NIcGrew, of Penn College, Oskaloosa, 
Iowa. He said no college fraternities 
were permitted in that institution. The 
student enrollment there is over four 
hundred this year. The large new build- 
ings were filled. This is a Friends (Qua- 
ker) College. '" 

I councelled with former Iowa Anti- 



secrecy President A. H. Brat at Eddy- 
ville, Iowa. He thought there would be 
money enough forthcoming to accomplish 
a great work in distribution of literature 
and in holding meetings. I found I'res- 
ident A. ^I. Alalcolm in his home at Al- 
bia, Iowa, recovering from an attack of 
la grippe. He was cheered in the pros- 
pects and sorry not to meet with the 
State Committee in their gathering at 
Oskaloosa. 

Farmers are harvesting a tremendous 
crop of corn, but the price offered is less 
than half that paid last year. Thu-e in 
debt from the purchase of high priced 
land, together with those paying high 
rental may find themselves badly be- 
hind. Nothing seems very certain nov\-a- 
days but death and taxes. I mean of 
course to those not in Christ. The snow 
came here in Bella Sabbath morning and 
so did the people accustomed to attend 
the churches of Holland extraction. Ii 
was a joy to see churches crowded on a 
storuiy day. ]\Iy opportunity was with 
the Sabbath Schools in the First Re- 
formed church in the morning and with 
the First Christian Reformed church in 
the afternoon, presenting in each our 
main reasons for opposing the lodges. 
Questions were asked in the afteriioon 
which added to the interest. The pres- 
ident and faculty of the Central Re- 
formed College ideated here were most 
kind in giving me the entire morning 
devotional period to address the student 
body, which I am told is nearly double 
that of last year. 

I hope to reach friends at Otley, Iowa, 
today and others tomorrow at Waterloo, 
Iowa. 

Next Sabbath I am to be with friends 
of the Christian Reformed Church at 
Willard, Ohio. I hope to reach home to 
be thankful with those who express 
thanks on November 25th. The Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, work will be the 
regular order for me next month That 
God may continue to bless is my prayer. 



SOUTHERN AGENT'S REPORT. 

BY REV. F. J. DAVIDSOX. 

It has been quite a little while since 
you have heard from me due to the fact 
that I was almost blinded from an acci- 
dent. Thank God, I am greatly im- 
proved, but I still find it difficult to write. 



252 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



I am standing fast in the liberty where- 
with Christ has made me free. 

I have had quite a httle trouble with a 
young Masonic preacher who joined the 
Central Baptist Church under disguise, 
but God's truth and right have prevailed. 
This blind guide sowed a deal of discord, 
but his sin has been made manifest and 
his mask torn off, praise the Lord. 

Since my letter, although suffering 
greatly at times and almost blind, I have 
delivered half a dozen sermons, eight 
antisecrecy lectures, taught four minis- 
ters' institutes and made many house to 
house visits in which I read the Bible,, 
prayed and pointed out the danger of 
oathbound secrecy. Thank God through 
sacrifice and toil we have enclosed Cen- 
tral Baptist church and are fearlessly 
preaching a whole Gospel of separation 
from sin to those who want to know the 
whole truth. We acknowledge with 
thanks a small donation from Rev. W. S. 
Bandy, of Greenville, Tennessee, for the 
Central Baptist church. 

I have been cordially invited through 
intercession of my eldest son, F. J. Da- 
vidson, Jr., of St. Louis, Missouri to 
preach in a revival. I expect to spend 
four or five weeks in the Missouri me- 
tropolis in December. Will be glad to 
hear from friends there. The unpre- 
cedented Republican landsHde, November 
2nd, has stirred New Orleans as has 
nothing since 1880. The city of New Or- 
leans gave the president twelve city pre- 
cincts. We are praying that his may be 
a Godfearing, just and able administra- 
tion. 

May God bless you all. 



"LIZZIE WOODS' LETTER." 

Dear Cynosure: 

After leaving Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- 
vania, on the 4th of October, I went to 
Cleveland, Ohio, and was there until the 
seventh at the State Meeting. The Lord 
blessed me while there with the privi- 
lege of teaching both day and night. I 
did not leave any sin unturned and es- 
pecially the sin of secret societies — the 
one sin that is making more idolators and 
criminals than anything else. 

1 gave out tracts at Cleveland and sold 
rituals. The men took their medicine 
without a word. They wondered where 
I got their secrets. I left Cleveland and 



stopped over in Memphis, Tennessee, 
where I spent Sunday the loth in a ser- 
vice with the women. I left on Monday 
and stopped in Brinkley, Arkansas, one 
night and then went on to Pine Blulf , 
Arkansas, my old home, where I had 
lived twenty-one years. There it was 
that the Lord saved me from sin and 
sent me to Dermott, Arkansas, where I 
got this message to let the people know 
the sin of secret societies. 

I taught two nights at Pine Bluff. My 
message was an eye opener to some. 1 
stopped at the home of a lodge man. 
I often stay in the homes of lodge peo- 
ple. I always let them see the rituals 
and give them tracts and pray for them 
at morning devotions, that God may open 
their eyes and let them see the principle 
of the secret orders. These very lodge 
people sometimes help me in the freewill 
offering, for they know that I am telling 
the truth. 

I left Pine Bluff' the 14th for Dermott, 
Arkansas. I was there four days and 
taught every day and night." I exposed 
the secret orders and sold the rituals. No- 
body gets as mad as the Masons. One 
man the next morning, after my lecture 
went to the pastor of the church and 
told him to stop me or there would be 
trouble. The pastor said : 

''Let not your heart be troubled for 
she is at the right place to fight sin. We 
are fighting sin here of all kinds but that 
special sin God has given to her to testify 
about and we are glad to have her here." 

Well, this man said he would tell the 
white people. I think he did tell them for 
there was a good many white people out 
the next evening and the Lord then let 
me give them a double dose. I told them 
about Ku-Klux-Klan and the Night 
Riders who were riding there every night 
burning gin houses and killing men to 
keep them from picking their cotton. 
That showed them the principle of secret 
fraternities. The white people did not 
say a word, but a foolish spiritually 
blinded, black man said that 1 ought to be 
hung. Well none of these things move 
me. It is just a one man job to hang a 
Httle old feeble woman like me, because 
I am trying to get them to see the god 
they serve is an idol god. 

I visited the school where I once was 
the Matron. The school is getting on 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



253 



fine. I also visited Sister S. A. Bailey, 
Eld. I. G. Bailey's widow. She is still 
teaching God's word to the people and 
still putting out tracts to show them the 
sin of the lodges. Elder I. G. Bailey 
fought the lodges as long as he lived 
and was the cause of many giving up 
their lodges, and he also kept many out 
who would have gone into them. The 
leaders of the lodges persecute sister 
Bailey now, just like they did her hus- 
band, but she just prays and testifies 
right along. Sister Bailey took me into 
the front room and we bowed in the same 
place where we used to pray and again 
we prayed together. She asked God to 
take care of Sister Woods ; — she calls me 
sister Woods yet. I thought while on my 
knees how this good wornan years ago 
prayed for me and pushed me out into 
this great work, when I was even too 
timid to speak to a dozen people. When 
the Masons talked about burning her 
house because I sold their ritual, she 
prayed for me and said : "Go right on, 
if the Lord can get the glory in my house 
being burned let them burn it." That 
gave me faith in God to go on in the 
good work of the Lord. The day I left 
Dermdtt I went out to her house to see 
her and she was not at home. The 
brother that carried me out to her house 
said : 'This is Monday, she' is at the 
First Baptist Church." I then remem- 
bered that for fifteen years she 
has taught that Bible cla?ss. So I went 
to the church and found her there teach- 
ing the women. What the people need is 
knowldege of God's Word in their 
hearts. (Prov. 3 :i). 

The Brother that took me to see sister 
Bailey is a very wealthy man; he said, 
when I was at Dermott, Arkansas four 
years ago, that I ought to be killed. Now 
he is saved from sin. He was a great, 
sinner at that time and belonged to sev- 
eral lodges. I went to his store four 
years ago and sold him "Freemasonry at 
a Glance" and he got mad. But now he 
is glad to see me and laughed this time 
when another man was tellmg the pastor 
to stop me, or he would tell the white 
people and have me killed. 

This wealthy store keeper said to me : 
"Neither the black folks nor the white 
are going to do anything^ to you. That 
man is a fool just like I was four years 



ago. He is to be pitied, poor blind church 
member. I was a poor blind sinner, but I 
am saved to-day." 

I left Dermott the 21st of October for 
Omaha, Nebraska, to do some special 
work in Nebraska. My daughter went 
with me on this trip. We \vent to Val- 
ley, Nebraska. We did not know any- 
body there. There was only one colored 
family there and we could not get a 
place to room. We left some tracts and 
went to Lincoln, Nebraska the first day 
of this month. We were made welcome 
at the Beulah Mission by Mrs. O. P. 
Wilson. She is a blessed woman. They 
all call her mother Wilson and truly 
she is a blessing to Beulah Mission. She 
takes care of the women's department. 
Elder Sullivan is the manager of the 
spiritual part of the mission. He is 
building up a great holiness mission for 
ail denominations and for every poor 
sinner to come and be saved. There is 
a room in the basement for men who 
have no home. Mother Wilson looks 
after the women. Brother Sullivan and 
family also live in the women's mission. 
Elder O. J. Burckhardt is the Treasurer 
of the Beulah Mission. He belongs to 
the African Methodist Church. Mem- 
bers of the dififerent churches make up 
the official Board of Beulah Mission. 
Mother Wilson and Sister Sullivan gave 
us the guest chamber in the Mission. W^e 
had a blessed time in the prayer services 
every morning. ^Mother Wilson - called 
Rev. Mr. Maxwell for me. When he 
found out that we were there he began 
getting places for me to lecture. I went 
with Mother Wilson to Beulah Mission 
the first evening and Rev. I\Ir, ]Maxwell 
met me and gave me a hearty welcome. 
He got me an appointment at the Gospel 
Tabernacle, where Rev. John L. Marshall 
is pastor. Brother Marshall gave me a 
hearty welcome. He had the Cynosure 
there on the platform and he said to me : 
"I make you w^elcome. I have been read- 
ing your letters a long time and know 
you as 'Lizzie Woods.' Now say all 
you want to say. Take your time. You 
are welcome. We stand for all the Bible 
truths here and for holy living." 

After the closing of the service Broth- 
er jNlar^hall said to his congregation "You 
have heard the ^^^ord of God and the 
\\'ord is right, now if you believe it come 



25-1 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



December, 1920. 



and shake hands with Sister Robertson 
and, if the Lord has put it into your 
hearts while shaking her hand, put an 
ottering into her hand." They put dol- 
lars and half dollars in my hand as they 
came to shake hands. Brother Marshall 
is a man of God. Brother Maxwell is a 
man for God, He stands up like a giant 
against the idol worship of the Devil. 
He is acquainted with all the ministers 
in Lincoln and could have gotten many 
more open doors for me, but I could not 
stay any longer at this time. 

Elder O. J. Burckhardt is pastor of 
the African Methodist' church here. He 
said : ''There are many honest hearts in 
the lodges who, if they knew just what 
they were, would come out of them. I 
have been in some of them but not Ma- 
sonry. One day the Holy Spirit took me 
out of them. After the Lord saved me 
the spirit led me to give up lodges and 
tobaccos and everything that did not 
please Him." This good man of God 
tried all he could to get the colored people 
of his church to come and hear me and 
some of God's blessed children did come 
and shake hands with me and bid me 
God speed. All my meetings were with 
the white people. Only a few of my 
people came out. I saw no difference 
there. All that were God's children, 
whatever their creed, were one in Chris- 
tian love for each other. 

I met a blessed little colored woman, 
a Methodist preacher who had been 
preaching at 'Tayne Chapel." She said, 
I live in Chicago and I am going to the 
National Christian Association's office 
and get acquainted with the Editor. I 
like your work, but God has special peo- 
ple to do that. On Saturday night 
Brother Maxwell got an appointment for 
me at the City Mission. Brother G. O. 
Rogers and his sweet little wife has 
charge of the City Mission, and oh such 
a young couple and so wonderful to see 
how they give themselves to this great 
work. Brother Rogers made me wel- 
come and said : ''Now you take your 
time and say all God wants you to say 
for these are the things that are sapping 
the spiritual life out of the churches." 
All the churches help keep the City Mis- 
sion up, therefore I had a chance to 
speak to men who do*not go to any other 
place of worship. There was a good 



crowd out. Brother Rogers was pleased 
with the message. If anybody was dis- 
pleased at the exposure of the Orders 
they did not open their mouth. The devil 
keeps his mouth shut in the presence of 
such men as Burckhardt, Sullivan, Max- 
well, Marshall and Rogers, with the 
Word of God to back them up. 

My daughter read the Word while the 
Spirit made it plain to the hearers 
through us. As each meeting closed, 
Mrs. Baker, my daughter, would just 
spread those rituals and tracts on the 
table and sell them to anybody. Some 
said, we did not know the sin of secret 
orders before. One lady who bought an 
Odd-Fellow ritual said, I am going to 
put it on my table so that when people 
visit m6 they can read for themselves. 
Sometimes while talking I would open 
"Freemasonry at a Glance" and let them 
see the Knight Templar candidate taking 
wine out of a man's skull or show in the 
Scotch Rite a skeleton hugging the can- 
didate. The men laughed, some of them, 
but others kept their heads down. I 
asked, how many believed the Bible is 
right? and all hands went up. I said, 
now I am going to show you the sin of 
secret societies if it kills me and all of 
you white people. They laughed, but all 
were willing to hear. Some people say I 
have losf my mind and I am glad I did 
lose it, for I now have the mind of 
Christ. I proved to them by many ref- 
erences in the Scripture that God wants 
the church to be separate from the world. 
(Ps. i:i; Prov. 4:14-17; Ps. 26:4-12; 
Jer. 15 :i7 ; 2 Cor. 6 : 14- 18 and many oth- 
er passages.) I showed them the awful 
sinful oaths and told them how the Ma- 
sons killed Capt. William Morgan. 

A white brother invited me and my 
daughter to his home to dinner, and said, 
"I am surprised to know that the Masonic 
lodge is exposed. I know of a case of 
the Knights of Columbus being exposed 
here in the courts. When it got in the 
courts it had to have the cover 
pulled off. There are good men in all 
of these secret orders but they are made 
to believe that it is in harmony with 
God's Word and Will 

"You don't know anything about the 
K. of C. do you ? Well, any man that takes 
that oath is not fit to be an American cit- 
izen." 



December, 1920. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



25o 



I said Masons in the seventh degree 
swear to have thejr skull smote off, their 
brains exposed to the scorching sun it 
they don't keep their brother's criminal 
secrets confided to them ! Are such men 
fit for American citizens ? 

God bless all my brothers and sisters 
in Lincoln for you are a mighty host 
against the Devil. 

Yours for the Master's use. 

Lizzie W. Roberson. 



FROM "LIZZIE WOODS'" 
DAUGHTER. 

Omaha, Nebraska, Nov. 9th, 1920. 
Dear Cynosure: 

Myself and mother are home again af- 
ter being away for one week in battle 
against sin in high places. 

We visited Lincoln, Nebraska, and 
found friends among people who believe 
the Word of God. They gave us a hearty 
welcome to ''Beulah Mission Home." 

We distributed tracts and sold books 
telling of the lodge evil and giving a 
''thus saith the Lord" as the reason 
against them. 

The word Christian means Christlike, 
and if we have the love' of God and live 
the life of Christ we will be separate 
from sinners because Christ was separ- 
ate from sinners (Heb. 7:23). For God 
hath not called us unto uncleanness, but 
unto holiness (i Thes. 4:7) but the 
lodges are cesspools into which have run 
bishops and ministers and their members 
and ungodly men — some of whom are of 
the worst type. And they all profess that 
they are going to meet the Grand blaster 
above, but from what .1 read in Isaiah 
26.: I -2, Heaven is a strong city and salva- 
tion is the walls and bulwarks thereof 
and the. gates will be opened only to the 
righteous person who keeps the truth, 
and that will leave the lodge devotees on 
the outside. Using the Word of God I 
mean to count one in this battle against 
lodges and every other sin into which so- 
called Christians are going. 

Yours for the service, 

i\lRS. Ida Baker. 



Money is the dynamo of life, and we 
are frequently short-circuited. 

Don't ignore the nouvcau riche, study 
them and find out how they got it. 



TRACT FUND FOR MINISTERS. 

We have received the suggestion from 
Dr. G. A; Pegram that funds sufficient 
i.e raised to send antilodge tracts to ev- 
ery minister in the United Stales. The 
conception is a good one. It is a large 
undertaking and can not be ended in a 
day but will be begun at once and car- 
ried on as far as funds for it are re- 
ceived. Dr. Pegram sends $10.00 as 
his first contribution. 

What do our readers think of the 
plan? How many will co-operate.' 



The National Christian Association 
has sent out during the past monih, 
without charge, where such sending 
seemed best, a few books and pamphlets 
and some 35,000 pages of tracts. About 
one hundred and sixty ministers received 
a portion of the above amount. We have 
also mailed during last month sample 
Cynosures with the request to subscribe, 
to some thousand different ministers of 
various denominations. Will you help 
by contributing to this work? 



DAVID AND GOLIATH MASONS. 

Modern progress is breaking down the 
barriers of nationalism, creeds, peculiar 
opinions and self-developed and isolat- 
ed ideas. 

The same progressive influence is also 
at work in the craft in the United States, 
and to one who is familiar with the de- 
velopment and progress made during the 
past ten years the results are startling. 

Everywhere we find the Davids of 
the new regime opposing the Goliaths of 
the ultra-conservatism ; and just as David 
of old slew his heavily armed and weap- 
oned enemy with a pebble, so are the 
champions of the new fraternal spirit 
stepping forth with no armor other than 
a few fundamental facts, and slaying 
with these the benighted representatives 
of obsolete pretensions, false premises 
and pride of office. — London Freemason. 

The London Freemason calls their con- 
servative brethren : ''Benighted repre- 
sentatives of obsolete pretensions, false 
premises and pride of office." 

''Behold how good and how pleasant 
it is for brethren to dwell together in 
unitv.'- 



STANDARD WORKS 

ON 

Secret Societies 



MODERN PROPHETS of BAAL 

OR 

WATCHMEN on ZION'S WALLS 

By President C. A, Blanchard. 

This is a tract especially intended for ministers. The term Baalism in referring to 
Masonry is used figuratively. ** If we say Lord to any one who is not God, then we 
are worshipers of Baal and if we, who are religious teachers, call any one Lord 
except the true God, then we are prophets of Baal." This tract, in addition to setting 
forth the real relation of Masonic ministers to a heathen system, also gives the reasons 
why Christian preachers become prophets of Baal. 

In the appendix there is a chapter on Masonic Theology, taken from Mackey's "Masonic 
Ritualist", the author being the well known Past General Grand High Priest of the General 
Grand Chapter of the United States. There is also A Word to Bible Students, by Dean 
J. M. Gray, D. D., of the Moody Bible Institute, and there- is a page of Bible quotations 
which are important in this connection. 

Thirty-two pages; Single copies three cents, per hundred, $2.00 postpaid. 

Address 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago Ills. 



Knights of Columbus 

ILLUSTRATED 

A COMPLETE RITUAL AND HISTORY OF THE FIRST 
THREE DEGREES. INCLUDING ALL SECRET 
**WORK", FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY A FORMER 
MEMBER OF THE ORDER. 

This work gives the proper position of each officer during the 
meetings, the proper manner of conducting the business of 
the Knights of Columbus, order of opening and closing 
of the Lodge, dress of candidates, ceremony of initiation; giving 
the signs, grips, pass words, etc. Convenient pocket size. 

Paper Covers - - - $ .75 
Cloth . _ . . 1.00 

National Christian Association 

850 W. Madison Street CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 




VOL. LIII. 



fv 




CHICAGO, JANUARY, 1921. 



A GOOD NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION. 



Whatever may happen, whatever may come, 

Whether things go right, whether things go 
wrong, 
There is just one duty, abroad, at home, 

It is told in the order: be brave, be strong. 
The fellow who falters and loses heart. 

The fellow who fears in the thick of the fight, 
And he who behaves with the coward's part, 

Has never heard his order aright. 

Be strong to suffer, be strong to dare. 

Be strong to speak, let your words ring true ; 
Be strong the burdens of Hfe to bear. 

Be strong to wait and be strong to do. 
And whether around you be silence spread. 

Or whether anear you be shout and song. 
In the core of your soul let these words be said : 

In the combat of living, be brave, be strong. 
— Margaret E. Sangster. 



NO. 9. 




OFFICIAL ORGAN, NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
15 CENTS A COPY ESTABLISHED 1868. $1.50 A YEAR 



VOL. LIII. No. 9. 



chicaco 



January, 1921. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE ^i-^ °i o- work: 



PukHished Monthly by the National Christian 
Association. 



WM. I. PHILLIPS 

850 West Madison Street, Chicago. 

Managing Editor. 



TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 

PRICE— Per year, in advance, $1.50; three 
months, on trial, thirty-five cents; single 
copies, fifteen cents. 

PRESENTATION COPIES— Many persons sub- 
scribe for the Christian Cynosure to be sent 
to FRIENDS. In .such cases, if we are advised 
that a subscription is a present and not regu- 
larly authorized by the recipient, we wl 
make a memorandum to discontinue at ex- 
piration, and to send no bill for the ensuing 
year. 

BUSINESS LETTERS should be addressed to 
Wm. I. Phillips, Gen. Secy., at the above ad- 
dress. 
Entered aa Second-class matter May 19, 1897, 

fit the Post Office at Chicago, 111., under Act of 

Mara a 3, 1879. 



CONTENTS 



A Good New Year's Resolution, Poem 
by Margaret E, Sangster Cover 

How to Give Happiness 259 

A Building Program for 1921 259 

Just a Few Days, poem 260 

From "The Kablegram" 260 

The Masonic Calendar — Masonic Voice 
Rcviczu 260 

The Masonic Sunday School 261 

The Spirit of Murder 261 

British Masons Deny Meddling in Politics 262 

Masonic Temple Investments 262 

Avalon Bay, Catalina Island, Illustration. 263 
The Question of the House, by E. E. 

Flagg .■ 263 

The Value of the Evidence Against Free- 
masonry, by Rev. G. H. Hospers 270 

Mt. Lov/e Incline Railway, Pasadena, 

Calif., Illustration 272 

Why Men Join the Lodge, by B. M. Holt, 
concluded from Sept. Cynosure 273 



The New Year, by A. H. Leaman 274 

Eastern Secretary's Report, by W. B. 

Stoddard 274 

Garden of the Gods, Colorado, Illus- 
tration 275 

"Lizzie Woods' Letter," by Mrs. L. W. 

Roberson 276 

Southern Agents Report, by F. J. David- 
son 276 

Street in Chinatown, San Francisco. 

Illustration 277 

From Our Correspondents 278 

Personal Experience of an A. P. A 280 

A Liar and the Father of It, by Pres. 

C A. Blanchard 281 

The United Presbyterian Church, by S. 

Y. Orr 286 

Impressions of Freemasonry, bv Oscar W. 

Hallin 286 

The Great Delusion, by John S. White... 287 

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSOCIA- 
TION. 



President, Rev. John F. Heemstra; 
Vice-President, Rev. Wm. B. Rose, 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. N. E. Kel- 
logg; Secretary -Treasurer, Wm. I. 
Phillips. 



BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 

Walter Wietzke, A. W. Saf¥ord, G. W. 
Hylkema, Wm. P. Ferries, J. R. Shaf- 
fer, G. W. Bond, M. P. F. Doermann, 
A. H. Leaman, C. A. Blanchard, George 
Slager and Thos. C. McKnight. 

LECTURERS. 

Those desiring lectures or addresses 
may write to any of the speakers named 
below : 

Rev. W. B. Stoddard, Box 94, East 
Falls Church, Virginia 

Rev. Adam Murrman, Arena, Wis. 

Rev. F. J. Davidson, 927 St. Maurice 
Ave., New Orleans, La. 

Mrs. Lizzie W. Roberson, 311 W. 24th 
St., Argenta, Ark. 

Pres. C. A. Blanchard, VVheaton, ill 



There is none 
other Name 
under heaven, 
given among 
men, whereby 
we must be 
aaved. 

—Acts 4:12 



CHRISTIAN 

CYNOSURE 



Jesus answerea 
him: I spake 
openly to the 
world, and in 
secret have 1 
said nothing. 
—John 18:20 



A Happy New Year to each of our 
readers. 



HOW TO GIVE HAPPINESS. 

How dear to our heart is the steady sub- 
scriber 
Who pays in advance at the birth of 
each year, 
Who lays down the money and does it 
quite gladly, 
And casts 'round the office a halo of 
cheer. 

He never says, ''Stop it ; I cannot afford 
it; 
I'm getting more magazines now than I 
read" ; 
But always says, ''Send it ; our people all 
like it ; 
In fact, we think it a help and a need." 

How welcome his check when it reaches 
our sanctum! 
How it makes our pulse throb ; how it 
makes our heart dance ! 
We outwardly thank him ; we inwardly 
bless him — 
The steady subscriber who pays in ad- 
vance. 



A BUILDING PROGRAM 
for Nineteen Twenty-One. 

The present conditions of the world 
evidently show there is something wrong. 
It is usually conceded that other nations 
are in the midst of troublous times, and 
that our own nation is facing problems, 
the solution of which is partial and in- 
adequate. 

We need something. What is it ? We 
have been trying to solve our national 
problems through Congress, and our spir- 
itual problems through the church. It 
is the mission of the church to bring the 
world to an acknowledgment of Christ 
as the Saviour of the world, and in or- 
der to do this, it is necessary to appre- 



ciate the words of Jesus when he said, 
"Apart from me ye can do nothing." 

I sometimes think we have been trying 
in our own strength to build the church 
and make it suit the tastes and wishes 
of men. We have too long courted the 
friendship of the world so that the line 
dividing the world and the church has 
grown so dim that it can scarcely be de- 
termined. We opened the doors to world- 
liness and secrecy, and have gone into 
a league for numbers rather than 
strength. Unless we retrace our steps 
we will have a religion without a Christ ; 
conversion without repentance ; the letter 
without the spirit, and a church with- 
out life. 

The starting point for rebuilding the 
walls of Zion is the presentation of the 
truth about the secret orders. Ever\- 
pastor should teach the evils about such 
an organization to his class of converts 
that are to be received into church mem- 
bership. An occasional lesson in our 
Sunday school curriculum would stem 
the tide to a great degree. Prohibition- 
ists claim their victory was due to a Sun- 
day school teaching on a lesson of tem- 
perance every three months. If this be 
true why could not the same method be 
used in presenting the claims of Christ 
against secrecy? 

The National Christian Association 
stands as a builder for the constructive 
message of righteousness, and is ready 
to assist in every possible way toward 
tearing down the strongholds of Satan 
and saving the church for Christ. 

Among the many callers at the office 
during the month of December was Rev. 
John F. Heemstra, of Holland, ^lichi- 
gan. Rev. j\Ir. Heemstra is President 
of our Association and his calls always 
bring cheer and blessing. He is active 
in our Association and gives his help 
to the Cause whenever possible. 



260 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



January, 1921. 



JUST A FEW DAYS. 

"Just a few days— and our tears will have 

ended, 
Just a few hours — and our task will be done, 
Yet still hear them calling, 
From darkness appalling, 
While we rest in the light of the fast-setting 
sun. 

"Just a few days — and the gifts we've with- 

holden. 
Just a few hours— and the call We refuse 
Will rust on forever, 
Or return to us never, 
And Eternity's crown we no longer may 
choose. 

"Just a few days — and then nought will avail 

us, 
The thought of the crown that we might 
yet have won. 
And ah! what the sorrow 
If we miss on the morrow 
Our share in that joy, when He whispers, 
'Well done !' 

"Just a few days— Oh Lord, strengthen our 

courage, 
Just a few moments — to publish Thy Name, 
In our weakness enfold us, 
Through darkness uphold us, 
'Till He come.' make us faithful Thy , love 
to proclaim." 



FROM "THE KABLEGRAM." 

October, 1920. 
Less than half the fraternal insurance 
societies in the United States are actually 

solvent. 



Out of every 1,000 members of a fra- 
ternal insurance society, an average of 
84 quit last year, which is 5 more than the 
average of the year before. While the 
prosperous times are inducing folks to 
join faster, folks are also quitting faster. 

Of the 300,000 fool members vv^ho 
dropped out of the Modern Woodmen 
because of the fizzle "raise" in 1912, 
which a hick court knocked out, only one- 
tenth reinstated two years later when all 
they had to do was to just start paying 
again as though nothing had happened. 
If they haven't got sense enough to stick, 
they haven't got sense enough to come 
back. 



In round numbers, the societies afifil- 
iated with the National Fraternal Con- 
gress of America will have a member- 
ship of 5,000,000 with accumulated re- 
serves of about $200,000,000. This is 
about $40 of a reserve per each. 



One of the first things the Supreme 
Lodge of the Knights of Pythias did at 
the recent session in MinneapoHs was 
reduce the age limit from age twenty-one 
to eighteen years. The vote taken by 
Grand Domains on the proposition stood 
39 in favor of the reduction and 15 op- 
posed. 



Fraternal insurance societies now face 
the urgent need of a new supreme officer 
whose chief responsibility shall be that of 
keeping up lodge meetings. In an address 
before the Texas Fraternal Congress, 
November 11, Dr. John Potts of Fort 
Worth discussed this subject and sug- 
gests that in order to maintain the lodge 
system, a Director of local lodge work be 
appointed. 

"Most of the lodge vv^ork in vogue dur- 
ing the past fifty years is dead, and in- 
stead of knowing enough to bury it, our 
lodge workers try spasmodically from 
time to time to bring it back to life," 
says the Doctor. He would bury it and 
create in its place a dignified ritual and 
lots of social service stunts. 



What shall be the present day attitude 
of our Church toward the Lodge in 
practice ? 



THE MASONIC CALENDAR. 

Ancient Craft Masons commence their 
era with the creation of the world, call- 
ing it Anno Lucis (A. L.), "in the year 
of light." 

Scottish Rite, same as Ancient Craft, 
except the Jewish chronology is used, 
Anno Mundi (A. M.), "in the year of the 
world." 

Royal Arch Masons date from the year 
the second temple was commenced by 
Zerubbabel, Anno Inventionis (A. I.), 
"in the year of discovery." 

Royal and Select Masters date from 
the year in which the Temple of Solomon 
was completed, Anno Depositionis (A. 
Dep.), "in the year of the deposit." 

Knights Templar commence their era 
with the organization of their Order, 
Anno Ordinis (A. O.), "in the year of 
the Order." 

Order of High Priesthood date from 
the year of the blessing of Abraham by 
the High Priest Melchisedek, Anno Ben- 
efacio (A. B.), "in the year of blessing." 



Januafy, 1921. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



261. 



Festival of St. John the Baptist, June 
24th. 

Festival of ' St. John the Evangelist, 
December 27th. 

— Masonic Voice Rcvieic. 
Rules for Masonic Dates. 

Ancient Craft Masons — Add 4000 
years to the common era. Thus : 1920 
and 4000 — 5920 A. L. 

Scottish Rite — Add 3760 to the com- 
mon era. Thus 1920 and 3760 — 5680 A. 
M. . After September add another year. 

Royal Arch — Add 530 years to the vul- 
gar era. Thus : 1920 and 5330 — 2450 
A. I. 

Royal and Select ^Masters — Add 1000 
to the common time. Thus : 1920 and 
1000 — 2920 A. Dep. 

Knights Templar — from the Christian 
era take 11 18. Thus: 11 18 from 1920 — 
802 A. O. 

Order of High Priesthood — to the 
Christian era add 191 5, the year of 
blessing. Thus: 1915 and 1920 — 3835 
A. B. 



Dr. Arthur H. White, 32d ; John H* 
Wishar, 32d, and Warren B. Hay ward, 
32d. .On Wednesday night all blaster 
Masons with their sons will be welcome. 



THE MASONIC SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

The first steps to establish a chapter of 
the Order of De Alolay in San Francisco 
were taken at the Scottish Rite Temple, 
Sutter street and Van Ness avenue, on 
W^ednesday evening, December 8, 1920. 

]^Iembership in this new order is lim- 
ited to boys who have passed their six- 
teenth birthday and not yet reaching their 
twenty-first year, and are sons of ^^lastei 
]\Iasons or the chum of said son. Chap- 
ters can be established only under the 
supervision of some recognized IMasonic 
body, and approved by the Sovereign 
Grand Inspector General of the State in 
which the chapter is located. Each chap- 
ter is governed by an advisory council, 
consisting of not less than nine Free- 
masons, who are in good standing in the 
Masonic body sponsoring the chapter. 

The San Francisco Bodies No. i, A. & 
A. S. R., have been granted temporary 
letters to establish a chapter in San Fran- 
cisco, to be known as San Francisco chap- 
ter. The advisory committee of that 
chapter is composed of Jesse M. Whited, 
32d Degree, Hon. ; Robert A. Peabody, 
32d, Hon. ; Robert N. Silver, 32d, K. C. 
C. H. ; Edgar ]M. Cameron, 32d, K, C. 
C. H. ; Lafayette Livingston, 32d, K. C, 
C. H. ; John A. Dignan, 32d, K. C. C. H. : 



THE SPIRIT OF MURDER. 

".Mr. W. H. Snowderly. 

''Dear Sir : I saw by the paper that 
you have joined the contemptible order 
known as the Jr. O. U. A. M., or what 
is better known as the A F. A. I have 
known you for some time, and have al- 
ways regarded you as a man of liberal 
views, but not only have I lost that opin- 
ion, but am convinced that you have al- 
lied yourself against the Catholics, and 
not only done so, but you did it in such 
a cowardly way that it should arouse the 
hate and revenge of every true Catholic, 
specially the K. of C. 

"We regard the order which you have 
joined as a means of fighting us at our 
back, and we must return the same 
method of warfare. H you. are a true 
American you must know that the best 
citizens of our town and nation are Cath- 
olics ; and w^e do not fight any one ex- 
cept those w^ho fight us. Especially do 
we hate those who act cowardly about 
it as you have done. 

"Our aim is to 'exterminate' those who 
fight us. That we must do or we cannot 
live ; and since you have taken the stand 
you have, we regard you as our bitterest 
'enemy' and we will seek revenge in the 
same 'cowardly' way as you have done. 

"You no doubt have been reading that 
dirty paper called The Menace, which 
never told the truth since it started ; and 
the nearest it came to it was when it said 
that the aim of the K. of C. was to 'de- 
stroy' all Protestants, 'and' that is true 
only so far as it applies to those Protes- 
tants like yourself who are trying to de- 
stroy us. 

"\\'e are always on the defense, and 
when any one tries to destroy us we play 
the same game, and get him first. Be- 
fore any action is taken to defend our- 
selves against such as you, we will wait 
some act on your part to show us that 
you have 'changed' your mind. If you 
withdraw from the order, or if you make 
some public statement that will show us 
that you changed, all will be well. 

"If we do not hear from you in a pub- 
lic statement within a day or two you 



262 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



January, 1921. 



may look for the worst and it will be a 
sneak, just the way you have chosen to 
tight us. 

'^Yours, 
"A Notime Friend." 
This letter was sent us by a subscriber 
in the State of Washington. It is notice- 
able that while it is an exhibition of the 
usual lodge spirit towards antisecretists, 
it is in this case a display of hatred of 
the members of one secret lodge for those 
of another. It is to be expected for Lodge 
is a church of Satan and its members 
become like the object worshiped. ''Ye 
are of your father, the devil, and the 
lusts of your father ye will do : he was 
a murderer from the beginning." (John 
8:44). 



BRITISH MASONS DENY 

MEDDLING IN POLITICS 



Grand Lodge in an Official Statement Out- 
lines the Purposes of the Craft. 

The United Grand Lodge of Ancient, 
Free and Accepted Masons of England 
has issued an official statement setting 
forth the aims of the order and denying 
frequent charges that it was exercising 
an influence on the politics of Great 
Britain. This is the second time in its 
history that the Grand Lodge has found 
it necessary to issue such a statement, 
the other being in the reign of George 
I. The official statement in part says: 

'The Grand Lodge of England, of 
which H. R. H. the Duke of Connaught 
has been for twenty years Grand 
Master, in succession to King Edward 
VII. — himself Grand Master as Prince 
of Wales from 1875 to 1901 — has held 
strictly aloof throughout its history, 
which dates from 1717, from participa- 
tion in public or political affairs, either 
national or international, considering 
itself precluded from taking any share 
in discussions on State policy. While 
thus standing aside from party divi- 
sions it has always inculcated patriot- 
ism in the citizen and loyalty in the 
individual. 

*Tt had not long been established when 
it publicly gave assurance of this to one 
of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of 
State. The assurance thus given in the 
reign of George I. is emphasized in a 



special degree in that of George V. 
Every one who comes into Freemasonry 
is strictly enjoined at the outset not to 
countenance any act which may have, 
a tendency to subvert the peace and good 
order of society, to pay due obedience 
to the law of any State in which he 
resides, and never to be remiss in the 
allegiance due to his soverign. 

*'No secret is attaching to these duties, 
which are of the essence of Masonry as 
practiced under the jurisdiction of the 
United Grand Lodge of England, as well 
as by the sister Grand Lodges of Ireland, 
Scotland, Canada, Australia, and New 
Zealand, and, I have reason to beheve, of 
the remainder of the English-speaking 
world. 

''Every English lodge, at its conse- 
cration, is dedicated to God and to His 
service ; no one can become a Mason until 
he has declared faith in the Supreme 
Being. As a consequence, men of every 
shade of political opinion and ministers 
of all religious denominations are mem- 
bers of and office-bearers in our organiza- 
tion, and Masonry thus provides a plat- 
form on which men of all conditions, 
classes and creeds can work together for 
the common welfare. In Masonic lodges 
all discussions on topics of a political or 
theological nature are strictly forbidden. 

''Because of its determination to pre- 
serve the position it has upheld for over 
two centuries the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
land never takes part in any Masonic 
or quasi-Masonic gathering in which the 
fundamental ancient landmarks of Free- 
masonry — which have been indicated 
above— are allowed to be regarded as 
open questions." 



MASONIC TEMPLE INVESTMENT 

The Masonic Temple association 
ceased to be a corporation and became a 
trust in 19 14. It has 19,000 participa- 
tion certificates of no par value outstand- 
ing and $1,500,000 of first mortgage 
bonds due in 1932. Gross receipts have 
increased in the last two years, but ex- 
penses have advanced just as fast. Net 
in the year ended April 30 last was $15,- 
735. There have been no dividends 
since 1916. The shares have no market 
at present. — Chicago Tribune, Sept. I, 

IQ20. 



January, 1921. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



263 




AVALON BAY^ CATALINA ISLAND. 

— Courtesy Santa Fe Railway Co. 



JiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinMiiiiiiniiiiiiiniiiiMiiiiiifiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiJiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!: 



The Question of the Hour 



By E. E. FLAGG 

AUTHOR OF 
"Holden With Cords." 



TfiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniMMiiiiiiiniiiiiiMiEiMiNisiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiihr 

We cannot safely ignore the least important of the many evils now threatening so- 
ciety, for as a certain French writer very truly observes, "Errors are always friends and 
ready for 3, mutual embrace." ♦ It always is in the closeness of that embrace that the 
secret of their strength lies, and only when Christians unite in one combined onset 
against all evil, shall we see national reform inaugurated on a permanent basis. 

CHAPTER V. 



The Opinions of A W. C. T. U. 

Nelson Newhall, in his vigils by Ms 
brother's bedside, had found plenty of 
time to think, and the result of his think- 
ing was to deepen an already settled con- 
viction that the temperance question was 
destined to take precedence of all others 
as a vital, living issue ; one which would 
not much longer allow itself to be thrust 
out of sight by party politicians ; certain- 
ly not after every intelligent voter could 
be made to realize that it was costing the 
taxpayers of the nation several hundred 
million every year. 

It did not occur to him that behind this 
question stood another which affected it 
like an unknown quantity, a disturbing 
factor in every attempt at solution, 



though he was aware of certain puzzling 
anomalies connected with the subject. 
Why, in the face of a largely increased 
prohibition sentiment among the people 
should prohibition as a political principle 
make sttch slow advances ? Why were 
prohibition candidates nominated and 
prohibition tickets put in the field only 
for sure defeat every election day? 

Tom was slowly coming back to life 
and consciousness. The pale, wasted 
face, as it lay on the pillow, seemed to 
open afresh the fountain of fraternal 
love in Nelson's heart, and he felt once 
more something as he remembered feel- 
ing in the old days when Tommy was his 
all to guard and love and cherish and 
defend, if need be, against the world. 

The door opened and Martin Tre- 



264 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



Jan-uary, 1921. 



worthy, who had been an indefatigable 
nurse and watcher, entered with a bunch 
of hot-house grapes, which he laid on the 
table while he himself took a chair, re- 
marking as he did so— 

"I can read my Bible or the newspaper 
in one place as well as I can in another, 
and I thought maybe there was somebody 
not far off that would be glad to see you 
for an hour or so." 

Nelson colored slightly but did not 
wait for any broader hint. Only stop- 
ping to tell Mr. Treworthy about some 
new medicine the doctor had ordered, he 
put on his overcoat and was gone. 

For Martin Treworthy had watched 
with almost paternal interest the transact- 
ing of a little of the old Edenic idyl, 
which has never been quite lost out of the 
world and never will be while that Gospel 
lives which has glorified all true human 
affection by making it the type and 
shadow of the heavenly union between 
the believing soul and its risen Redeem- 
er. Any young couple starting out in life 
with only their bare hands and their faith 
in God and each other might be very sure 
of his blessing, for as previously stated, 
he had once been a lover himself and be- 
lieved thoroughly in the New Testament 
ideal of marriage, while he had corre- 
spondingly small patience with the low 
and mischievous notions on that subject 
which prevail so extensively in our mod- 
ern days. Thus it happened that, thanks 
to Martin Treworthy, the bright-faced 
little dressmaker to whom Nelson was 
engaged received that evening a visit 
from her betrothed that she was not ex- 
pecting. Martha Benson was a good 
specimen of the best class of young 
American women, steady and sensible, 
not handsome according to any of the 
generally accepted rules of beauty, yet of 
so bright and wholesome a countenance 
that no one could deny her the meed of 
comeliness. Well educated, she had 
taught school several terms; well read in 
solid literature and deeply religious, she 
was a prize for any man's winning, rich 
or poor ; and Nelson Newhall, unlike 
many of the masters of creation under 
like circumstances, was sufficiently aware 
of the fact to wonder humbly at his own 
good fortune. Obliged to earn her- own 
bread, she had tried a number of ways to 
do it, and was now working for an aunt 



who had a small shop in the suburbs 
where she carried on dressmaking. 

Martha herself answered her lover's 
knock and read in his face the good 
tidings even before he spoke. 

"Tom is better ! I am so glad. I have 
been wanting to hear all day. And you 
really think the danger is over?" 

"All present danger," answered Nel- 
son, as he pressed her hand and gazed 
into her pleased, earnest face. "But it 
has been a hard pull, and after all, Mar- 
tha — I don't know — perhaps death would 
be better than life for him, poor fellow !" 

"No, Nelson ; don't say that," said 
Martha, earnestly. "Perhaps this expe- 
rience will have the effect of checking his 
appetite for drink. I have heard of such 
things. Tom is not quite like others, but 
we must remember that it is a trial per- 
mitted by Providence that should only 
make us more patient with his weak- 
ness." 

"That is true, Martha, and I love you 
all the more for thinking and feeling so. 
Not every woman would. But I honestly 
believe this cursed rum is at the bottom 
of all poor Tom's misfortunes, for I re- 
member one day after father began to 
drink, his giving him a push — it was a 
push, not a blow — so that he fell and 
struck his head so hard against the edge 
of the stove as to stun him for awhile. 
Mother was very sick and knew nothing 
of the accident, and father was too in- 
toxicated to realize it, so I did the best I 
could. I held Tommy and bathed his 
head, and after awhile he seemed to come 
to all right, and I thought no more about 
it till he began to be strange and have fits. 
Even then it was a long while before I 
put the two things together as a cause 
and consequence." 

"Oh, this terrible rum business! Can 
it never be stopped?" said Martha, sigh- 
ing. 

"Sometimes I feel discouraged and 
think it never will be. Still the local op- 
tion law works well in many places and 
is a long step towards it. What do you 
say, Martha, to going onto a farm and 
making butter and cheese?" 

"I say that it shall be the best butter 
and cheese made in the township," re- 
plied Martha, who saw the drift of this 
seemingly irrelevant question better than 
the reader probably does. "You know I 



January, 1921. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



265 



was born and bred on a farm." 

Nelson's brow cleared. Evidently her 
cheerful answer had removed some hid- 
den obstacle in his pathway, but he asked, 
doubtfully, *'Do you really mean it, Mar- 
tha, that you would be willing to go on 
to a farm if I could find a good one with- 
out going out of the state? In a year, if 
everything goes right with me, perhaps I 
could scrape enough money together to 
buy one. You see how it is, Martha ; 
Tom w^ould be more out of the way of 
temptation. Take care of Tommy,' was 
mother's last word to me as she lay dying, 
and if I am ever permitted to meet her 
in heaven I want to be able to tell her 
that I have taken as good care of him as 
I knew how." 

*'Of course I mean it, Nelson," said 
Martha, looking up with moistened eyes. 
''Didn't you suppose I understood the 
reason the minute you asked the ques- 
tion?" 

''Oh, Martha; you are a blessed 
woman. I ain't half worthy of you. But 
after all, perhaps if the balance was 
rightly struck it would be found that I 
owed more to Tom than he owes to me. 
Having him to guard and defend has been 
many a time like the grip of God's own 
hand on my soul to keep me from going 
to the devil as I might have done without. 
To be sure I had a sister, but she must 
be altogether grown out of my remem- 
brance by this time." 

Martha had always regretted this sep- 
aration, for she felt a natural desire to 
be acquainted with her future sister-in- 
law. She said nothing, however, but sit- 
ting down to her sewing machine, 
stitched away busily. 

"You seem in a hurry," remarked Nel- 
son, after watching her for some min- 
utes. 

"Only to finish this." And she stopped 
the whir of her machine and held up to 
his view the garment she was making. 
It was an infant's robe, fine and white 
and dainty enough for any fond mother's 
darling ; but as she smoothed it down and 
looked it over critically, it struck Nelson 
that her face was unusually pale. 

"You are not well, Martha," he said 
in alarm. "Or has something happened 
to trouble you ? You look about sick. Do 
put away your work for tonight." 

"I am well, Nelson — only heartsick. Do 



you know what it is I. am making?" 

"Nothing more than a baby's dress, is 
it?" inquired Nelson, wonderingly. 

"It is a baby's shroud — another inno- 
cent victim to the Moloch of Rum. I am 
making the last garment it will ever wear, 
for a child deliberately burned to death 
by its drunken mother here in this nine- 
teenth century, in civilized and Chris- 
tianized America ! Why, would it have 
been worse ofT — poor thing — if it had 
been born in Old Testament times when 
mothers threw their infants into the heat- 
ed arms of an idol god?" 

"Shocking!" exclaimed Nelson. "Do 
you mean Mrs. McLean's child ? I heard 
it had got dreadfully burned and I knew 
she was a drinking woman, but still I 
supposed it was all an accident." 

"No ; it was the deliberate, fiendish act 
of a brain crazed with bad liquor. The 
reason I happen to be making its burial 
robe is because Aunt used to work in an 
undertaker's establishment and she had 
some nice fine remnants laid by that were 
just the thing. The poor little creature 
breathed its last in my arms. O, Nelson, 
it seems so awful, so terrible. Will this 
curse never cease? Must the cry of in- 
nocent blood forever go up in vain? O, 
if I had but the power to make every 
voter in the land hear that murdered 
babe's dying cries as I heard them ! They 
ring in my ears now." 

And Martha clasped her hands over 
her face in a convulsive shudder. 

"It is awful, but what can we do? 
Both our great political parties are con- 
trolled by the saloon power. They will 
dodge and shirk the question, but they 
won't touch it with a pair of tongs ; and 
as to the Prohibition party, it lacks some- 
thing — union or zeal, or both — or it would 
certainly accomplish more. Last year, 
when there was so much temperance talk 
done, why were nearly all the votes cast 
for the old parties ? And this year it will 
be the same. Temperance men will sup- 
port anti-prohibition candidates for fear 
of giving away their vote to the other 
side." 

"Well, I am not a politician," said 
Martha ; "I am only a woman, and I 
suppose I look at such things from a 
woman's point of view. I believe in men 
more than I do in parties, and in princi- 
ples more than I do in votes. Most of 



266 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



January, 1921. 



the political talk in the newspapers just 
reverses this, and makes men and prin- 
ciples the least important things, when 
they are actually the only force the saloon 
power dreads, for it knows that parties 
can be controlled and votes bought, but 
men and principles, never." 

''That's exactly the way it stands, Mar- 
tha ; but I don't see what is ever going to 
hammer it into the heads of the poli- 
ticians," answered Nelson, with a doubt- 
ful shrug of his shoulders. 

''Well, now, Nelson, it seems to me that 
I have grown to understand some things 
lately that I never understood before. 
You know I belong to the Woman's 
Christian Temperance Union, and I have 
belonged to the Good Templars, beside, 
I have always been interested in tem- 
perance work ever since I can remember, 
and I have been brought into some slight 
association with workers noted in the 
cause. Now if there is any want of 
union in the temperance ranks there must 
be reason for it. Supposing an army is 
marching to attack the enemy, and a part 
should break up into little squads, each 
with its own leaders, its own secret plans 
and countersigns and passwords, how 
long would it be before there vv^ould be 
an end to all unity of action?" 

"Not a great while, certainly ; but I 
don't think I quite understand your com- 
parison." 

"And supposing," said Martha, con- 
tinuing her parable, "these same petty 
squads, after considerable 'big talk' from 
their leaders of all the feats of valor 
they were going to perform, how they 
only needed a sight of the enemy to smite 
him hip and thigh, should let their arms 
rust and their ammunition spoil while 
they sat down on the grass to play games 
and tell stories? Now you are wonder- 
ing why the temperance cause is always 
meeting with a Bull Run. But look at it 
here in Jacksonville ; there is no real 
unity among our temperance people be- 
cause they are broken up into little secret 
cliques, each trying to rival the other; 
and as for good solid work, there is none 
done worth the name. It has all degen- 
erated into play. Now the W. C. T. U. 
is a grand organization. It is meant for 
work, and the amount of labor that some 
of the women who belong to it perform 
is astonishing; simply heroic. But I have 



yet to find, among the Good Templars, a 
real worker for temperance, man or 
woman, who makes a point of regularly 
attending the lodge meetings." 

"Why, Martha ! seems to me you are 
rather sweeping." 

"Not a bit. I have been there and I 
know. I don't mean to say that the 
Good Templars have never done any 
good in the line of reform. When a lodge 
is first started there are always more or 
less of the members who join with a sin- 
cere desire to do temperance work, and if 
some of the W. C. T. U. women can be 
persuaded to come in they can't help car- 
rying a portion of their vim and enthu- 
siasm along with them. But such ones 
sink into a hopeless minority after awhile. 
They find that the leaders are not those 
with the most executive ability. They 
are the ones who can sing the best songs 
and tell the best stories, and contribute 
most to the general fund of amusement; 
and so the working spirit all dies out, 
slowly smothered to death, and the lodge 
tomes to be a mere social club — what 
saloonist ever stood in dread of that? — 
a place where you can go and meet your 
acquaintances and have a good time. The 
last Good Templar meeting that I attend- 
ed was just before the state election. 
There was a strong prohibition tide set- 
ting in, but instead of planning how to 
take advantage of it, I cannot remember 
that the subject of temperance was even 
once alluded to all the evening; nor was 
it made a specialty of at any of the meet- 
ings. Half the time was spent in drilling 
us in the secret work of the order, and 
the other half in talk that had no more 
to do with the subject of temperance than 
it had with political economy. Now, the 
more I think about it the more convinced 
I am that no good work for God or hu- 
manity can be done if we start with a 
wrong principle. 'Can a fountain send 
forth at the same place sweet water and 
bitter?'" 

"Then it is the secrecy you disapprove 
of," said Nelson, who felt uneasy under 
this talk, without exactly knowing why. 
"Now, I can't see any harm in it, neces- 
sarily. In the Knights of Labor, for in- 
stance, the secrets are so few, merely the 
grips and passwords, that they don't real- 
ly amount to anything." 

"Then why have secrets, anyway? If 



January, 1921, 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



267 



they don't amount to anything, what good 
do they do?" 

Nelson felt posed. It was such a per- 
fectly common-sense question, and Mar- 
tha asked it in such a cool, common-sense 
way that it was decidedly surprising, as 
well as inconvenient, not to find any an- 
swer ready. So what could he do but 
repeat at second-hand the old Masonic 
argument, with which his connection with 
the Knights of Labor had made him tol- 
erably familiar : 

"Why, society is so constituted that 
secrecy is necessary sometimes. Why do 
grand juries sit with closed doors and 
Congress hold secret sessions? And even 
the family — what is that but a secret in- 
stitution ?''. 

Martha's eyes flashed. 

"Don't name the lodge and the family 
in the same breath. It is profanation. 
Privacy and secrecy are two different 
things. Senates and juries publish the re- 
sults of their deliberations to the world, 
which is all that the nation or the com- 
munity is interested in knowing. And 
furthermore, such secrecy is only a tem- 
porary arrangement ; senators and jurors 
do not take solemn oaths never to reveal 
anything that is done behind closed doors. 
And as to the family," and the flash went 
out of ^Martha's eyes in a gleam of good- 
humored laughter, "you had better not 
try to exact any such vow from me. Just 
think of a family with its members 
pledged to keep all they say and do for- 
ever secret from the rest of mankind ! I 
am sure that nothing would induce me to 
pass a single night under their roof for 
fear that murdering travelers and con- 
fiscating their eft'ects might be among 
those precious 'secrets.' But there are 
other reasons in my mind why such so- 
cieties must always be a drag on the tem- 
perance cause. As a Christian woman I 
believe that the Gospel and the Gospel 
alone is the true reforming agency for 
the world, and all organizations for that 
end will be successful just so far as they 
work by Christian methods. Good Tem- 
plarism requires its candidates to believe 
in a Supreme Being, but all through the 
ritual the name of Christ is mentioned 
but a few times, his atoning work not 
once. Now, I don't believe that drunk- 
ards can be saved by pledges and good 
resolutions. They need something else. 



They need to be told of a Divine Helper 
who will stand by them just as they are, 
in all their vileness and degradation, and 
battle with them and for them against 
the demon of the still. They need to be 
told the old, old story of Jesus crucified 
for sinners, bleeding his life away that 
the vilest might look to him and live. Tell 
the drunkard tJiat ; guide his trembling, 
shaking hand till it touches, only touches 
the hem of Christ's robe, and his feet are 
on the Rock of Ages, and he is a saved 
man. But this is exactly what Good Tem- 
plarism never does." 

Martha spoke with quivering lips and 
eyes that shone through unshed tears, 
while Nelson gazed at her roused and 
kindled face with a kind of wonder. 

"You talk like Martin Treworthy," he 
said. 

"If I do it is because one Spirit has 
taught us both," she answered, resuming 
her work, which she had dropped in her 
momentary excitement. "Now, the Good 
Templars profess to be a religious order, 
or why do they have prayers and an altar 
and a chaplain? Yet, as I said before, 
the lodge does not and cannot convert 
the drunkard, and without conversion I 
do not believe in a permanent reform. I 
don't mean to say that there is no Chris- 
tianity in its teachings. There is just 
enough to make them dangerous, for 
what more fatal delusion under heaven 
than a Christless Christianity ? As a mat- 
ter of fact the really religious members 
of the lodge fare about as bad as the 
workers. It is a worldly, irreligious ele- 
ment that invariably gets the upper hand. 
I have known a man who could hardly 
spell his way through the ritual elected 
chaplain just for a joke, and not a single 
voice raised in rebuke or dissent. Y^et 
there were Christian men and women 
present ; I was there myself, and I re- 
member feeling ashamed and indignant 
at first, and then laughing with the rest 
at his manifest exultation at being pro- 
moted to the chaplain's desk, and the 
funny way in which he mispronounced 
his words. I blush when I think of it, 
but there is a mysterious something about 
these nightly gatherings that acts like a 
draught of enchantment. I have known 
professed Christians to say and do in a 
Good Templar lodge what they would not 
have said or done anywhere else. I am 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



January, 1921. 



sure of one thing : Christ isn't there, and 
the Holy Spirit isn't there. Why should 
they come where their work is persistent- 
ly ignored and set aside for mere human 
methods ? The lodge is like the house in 
the parable, 'empty, swept and garnished,' 
and Satan enters in and dwells there, and 
the last state of man or woman who joins 
it expecting to be helped thereby, or put 
in the way of helping others, is worse 
than the first. After attending the meet- 
ings for a few times I began to feel a 
strange deadness and indifference when I 
took up my Bible or tried to pray. I lost 
my relish for prayer meeting; even for 
the dear old hymns that I used to sing 
over my work. I knew that something 
was wrong and it made me miserable, but 
I could not imagine w^hat. I tried to think 
that it was only a common experience, a 
mere passing cloud, and I should feel all 
right again soon. All the while I knew^ 
better. I knew I had backslidden, but 
what had made me? Now if I had been 
enticed into attending some place of 
amusement, professedly w^orldly, like the 
ballroom and the theater, I should have 
known in a moment ; but how could I lay 
my spiritual darkness and trouble to at- 
tending the meetings of an organization 
that claims, for its sole object, to save 
men and do them good? I will tell you 
what opened my eyes : an anti-Masonic 
tract that fell in my way. I was famihar 
enough with temperance tracts, but this 
was something new ; so I took it up, half 
curious, half indifferent, thinking to my- 
self, 'Women are never Masons ; how can 
the subject possibly concern me?' But I 
found that it did concern me, and in 
more ways than one. I saw that it was a 
system square against Christianity on 
one side, and every principle of our re- 
publican liberty on the other. And I saw 
besides, as plain as two and two make 
four, that the same line of argument 
which condemns Freemasonry condemns 
Good Templarism." 

''Oh, nonsense, Martha. You are so 
conscientious that you are like an over- 
careful housekeeper, who is always find- 
ing dirt and disorder where nobody else 
would think of looking for it. Now, I 
have seen books that claim to expose 
Masonry, and granted that they are true, 
w^hat possible Hkeness between their bar- 
barous, blood-curdling oaths, for in- 



stance, and the simple-promise, or 'ob- 
ligation', which is said to be all any of 
these minor orders require?" 

"Just the difference that there is be- 
tween a glass of champagne and a tumbler 
of stiff old Bourbon," answered Martha, 
promptly. ''What makes the fascination 
in any kind of spiritous drink? Just 
the alcohol, more or less, that it contains. 
So these minor orders are fascinating 
just in proportion to the amount of sec- 
recy which they cover. Now, the whole 
of Good Templarism could be just as 
well taught in one degree as in half a 
dozen ; and all the object of the Charity, 
Fidelity and Council degrees, so far as I 
can see, is to serve the double purpose 
of making the principle of secrecy so fa- 
miliar that the gradation to Masonry 
and Odd-fellowship will be easy and 
natural, and to shut the months of con- 
scientious non-Masons. Now, Nelson, 
let me ask a plain question: are you just 
as ready to express your honest convic- 
tions about Masonry as you would be if 
you did not belong to a secret order? 
Don't you feel, without exactly knowing 
why, that there would be an inconsistency 
in your denouncing it ? that it would cer- 
tainly draw dowm upon you the dislike 
of the Masonic members of the lodge 
if you did so, and on the whole you had 
better let it alone?" 

Nelson Newhall was decidedly an ex- 
emplary young man who would not have 
told a lie for the world. He neither 
smoked nor chewed was a regular 
church-goer, and taught a class of boys 
in a mission Sunday-school. I am afraid 
he was only a step removed from a well- 
meaning young Pharisee, though Martha, 
looking at him by the light of that 
glamour w'ith which a true affection al- 
ways invests the beloved object, saw 
nothing of the sort. 

"I don't know but it is so, Martha,'' 
he answered, after a moment's hesitation, 
"though I never thought of it before." 

"But there is another side of the ques- 
tion. How can temperance workers ad- 
mit into their ranks as co-laborers men 
w^ho are bound by oath to protect every 
saloonist who can give the Masonic sign 
of distress? Will not their best efforts 
be constantly checkmated, and their 
plans betrayed when Masonic interests 
come in collision with the temperance 



January, 3921. 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



cause? For my part I am not surprised 
that prohibition makes such slow prog- 
ress considering how many poHticians 
have to be accommodated with office 
every year — Hke Gen. Putney, for in- 
stance." 

"But they say the Grand Army Posts 
put him in." 

''And who originated the Grand Army? 
Who are its leaders? Poor, simple, pri- 
vate soldiers with no political aspirations, 
or Masonic ex-generals who want their 
votes? I desire no clearer proof than 
Gen. Putney's nomination that the Grand 
Army is a mere political machine manipu- 
lated by men without a single patriotic 
impulse in their bosoms; with whom self 
is first, party next, and country last of 
all. It is worse than folly to let corrupt 
secret rings control the elections and then 
clamor for reform." 

"All I can say about it is that the peo- 
ple are to blame," returned Nelson. "If 
every temperance man would go to the 
polls resolved to drop all party interests 
and vote for none but out-and-out prohi- 
bitionists, without any regard whatever 
to party leaders, the tide would soon 
turn. But why have you never told me 
before how opposed you were to secret 
societies ?" 

"Because I was really not aware of 
it myself. I joined the Good Templars 
without the least suspicion of any harm 
in the organization. The worthiness of 
the professed object blinded me to all 
the folly and sin; but now the beam is 
cast out of my own eye, perhaps I can 
see clearly to pull the mote out of my 
brother's eye." 

"I know what is coming, Martha," 
answered Nelson, with a comical look 
of resignation in which there mingled, 
to a critical observer, the slightest shade 
of vexed annoyance. "I am ready for 
the operation, however, if you will en- 
gage not to hurt more than is necessary." 

"Well, now, Nelson, as a laboring 
woman who intends to marry a laboring 
man, I ought to be interested in all that 
concerns the working classes — secret 
trade unions like the Knights of Labor 
included." 

"Oh, come, Martha! what do you 
know about the Knights of Labor? Cap- 
italists can and do combine, and why 
shouldn't workingmen? I have no high 



opinion of the Masons or the Odd-fel- 
lows either, though I don't know much 
about them ; but a harmless trade union 
is quite another thing. And besides, I 
hardly ever attend the meetings. I just 
pay my dues, and that is about all." 

Martha held her peace. She was a 
prudent woman, and did not always speak 
the thought that lay uppermost. 

"You see all the other workmen were 
joining," continued Nelson, after a mo- 
ment's silence ; "and they urged me a 
good deal. It is all very well to talk 
about independence, but a man must be 
fair to himself and fair to his fellows. 
The labor problem presents entirely dif- 
ferent conditions from what it did fifty 
or even twenty years ago. Now I feel 
perfectly able to stand alone and fight 
my battles with the capitalist on my own 
hook, but that isn't the case with one 
in a hundred. How can an ignorant, un- 
skilled workman with a large family pro- 
tect himself against the greed and in- 
justice of employers? He will just as 
surely be driven to the wall as he at- 
tempts it. The class increases every 
day, and if it were not for these pro- 
tective unions he would be in a condi- 
tion little better than white slavery. Shall 
the strong, just because they are strong, 
stand off selfishly each by himself and 
let his weaker brother stumble along as 
he can? That isn't the way I read my 
Bible, and I am sure, Martha, it isn't 
the way you read yours. As for the sec- 
recy part of it, as I said before, it don't 
amount to much — only enough to pre- 
vent imposition." 

"Insurance companies are imposed 
upon sometimes. Why don't they need 
the protection of secrecy just as much?" 
queried Martha. 

"Oh, that is a different thing. Busi- 
ness is guarded by red tape, which is 
something plain workingmen don't know 
much about. Some secret signs are 
necessary to enable those who actually 
belong to make themselves known when 
they are traveling from place to place, 
and at the same time keep out bogus 
members." 

"/ think it is a great deal more im- 
portant to keep out unscrupulous lead- 
ers," returned Martha, dryly; "for 
among the other uses of secrecy you 
forget to mention that it is a most con- 



270 



CHRISTIAN CYNOSURE 



January, 1921. 



venient cover under which sitch men 
can do pretty much as they like." 

"Oh, well," said Nelson, as, with a 
half laugh and hasty glance at the little 
French clock on the mantel, he got up 
to go ; "we might talk on this subject 
from now till next week, and then stand 
about where we did when we begun. I 
can't afford to spend time and strength 
fighting secret societies when there are 
so many worse evils in the world. 1 
want to see this rum business put down, 
and I am willing to give up all I have, 
even life itself, to do it. But still, I 
agree with you in thinking that these so- 
cieties have not done as much for the 
temperance cause as they pretend. And 
as to the Knights of Labor, if I become 
a farmer that will sever my connection 
with them, and leave us nothing to quar- 
rel about unless I join